Serbian Opposition MPs Throw Smoke Grenades, Tear Gas in Parliament
Serbian opposition lawmakers caused chaos in parliament on Tuesday by setting off smoke grenades and tear gas. They were protesting against the government and showing support for student demonstrators. The situation became even more serious when one legislator suffered a stroke during the commotion.
For the past four months, students have been leading protests against the government. Their movement has gained support from teachers, farmers, and other groups, making it the biggest challenge so far to President Aleksandar Vucicโs rule. Many Serbian citizens are angry about corruption and poor governance.
During the parliamentary session, after the ruling coalition, led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), set the agenda, opposition lawmakers reacted strongly. Some ran towards the parliamentary speaker and clashed with security guards. Others threw smoke grenades and tear gas, filling the room with black and pink smoke. Live TV broadcasts captured the chaotic scene. Over the years, Serbian parliament has witnessed similar incidents, including physical fights and even water being thrown since the country became a multi-party democracy in 1990.
WATCH:
LAWMAKER INJURED
Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic reported that two lawmakers were hurt. One of them, Jasmina Obradovic from the SNS party, had a stroke and was in critical condition. Brnabic declared that parliament would continue its work and stand firm in defending Serbia.
Despite the disturbance, the session went on. Members of the ruling coalition continued their discussions while opposition lawmakers whistled and used horns to disrupt them. Some opposition members also held up signs with messages like โgeneral strikeโ and โjustice for the killed.โ Outside the parliament building, demonstrators remained silent to honor 15 people who died in a railway station roof collapse, an incident that sparked the protests.
Protest leaders announced plans for a large demonstration in Belgrade on March 15.
Meanwhile, the ruling coalition claimed that Western intelligence agencies were behind the protests, trying to destabilize Serbia and overthrow the government.
On Tuesday, parliament was supposed to pass a law to increase funding for universities, one of the main demands of students who have been blocking faculty buildings since December. They were also scheduled to acknowledge the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic. However, additional agenda items introduced by the ruling coalition angered opposition members.
Serbian Opposition MPs Throw Smoke Grenades, Tear Gas in Parliament
