Antigovernmental demonstrators come up against the police in several Serbian cities | Protests

The demonstrators clashed with anti-riot police in the capital of Serbia, Belgrade and other cities, during the fifth consecutive night of demonstrations against the government of the right president Aleksandar Vucic.

The clashes also broke out in Belgrade late Saturday after the police arrested demonstrators heading towards the headquarters of the Progressive Party of the Serb (SNS).

Late Saturday, thousands of people gathered in the central city of Valjevo to show their growing anger against the government, while a small group of masked young men attacked the empty offices of the SNS governing party, lighting them.

They then clashed with the riot police, with demonstrators throwing fireworks and rocks while the police responded with dizzy grenades and tear gas.

Some clashes have also been reported in the city in the north of Novi Sad, the second largest in the country.

The almost daily demonstrations have traction of Serbia since November, following the collapse of a roof of the station which killed 16 people.

The tragedy has become a symbol of corruption deeply rooted in the Balkan nation, with requests for a transparent investigation that turns on calls for early elections.

At their peak, the demonstrations attracted hundreds of thousands to the streets.

However, the mainly peaceful demonstrations deteriorated earlier this week when large groups of pro -government supporters – many masked and some armed with batons and fireworks – attacked demonstrators.

This led to violent clashes for several nights, leaving many wounded on both sides.

The demonstrations were further strengthened after several videos shared online showed that the police hit unarmed demonstrators with batons.

Police denied allegations of brutality, accusing demonstrators of attacking officers.

Although the demonstrations have so far led to the resignation of the Prime Minister and to the collapse of the government, President Vucic has remained provocative.

He has repeatedly rejected calls to early elections and denounced demonstrations as part of a foreign plot to overthrow it.