Belgrade: A violent brawl broke out inside Serbia’s Parliament on Tuesday, leaving at least three lawmakers injured after smoke bombs and flares were thrown inside the Assembly hall, turning the legislative chamber into a scene of pandemonium.
Video footage from inside the Parliament building showed a physical clash erupting between rival lawmakers before the atmosphere turned chaotic as flares ignited and thick smoke filled the hall.
Tensions Boil Over
The incident came amid heightened political tensions over electoral irregularities, opposition protests, and accusations of authoritarianism directed at President Aleksandar Vučić’s government.
The violence reportedly began when opposition lawmakers tried to block proceedings as the ruling coalition attempted to push through legislation opposed by the protesters outside the building. In the ensuing scuffle, flares and smoke bombs were hurled across the floor, forcing some MPs and staff to evacuate.
Lawmakers Injured
Officials confirmed that at least three lawmakers sustained injuries, with minor burns and respiratory distress due to smoke inhalation. Emergency medical teams were deployed to provide immediate treatment inside the Assembly complex.
Political Crisis Deepens
The dramatic scenes inside Parliament come after months of public protests accusing Vučić’s party of rigging elections, undermining democracy, and silencing dissent. The opposition has warned that Serbia is sliding toward authoritarian rule, and vowed to intensify street demonstrations after the Parliament melee.
“This is not a Parliament anymore — it’s a battlefield. Democracy in Serbia is collapsing before our eyes,” said one opposition MP after the clash.
Government Response
The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) condemned the violence, blaming opposition lawmakers for inciting disorder and bringing dangerous materials into the chamber. They also rejected calls to annul recent elections, describing the allegations of vote-rigging as baseless.
Interior Ministry officials confirmed that an investigation has been opened into how flares and smoke bombs were smuggled into the Parliament building, a violation of security protocols.
International Concern
The European Union and several international human rights groups have expressed deep concern over the escalating violence and called for calm dialogue between Serbia’s government and opposition.
“Political disputes must be resolved through dialogue, not violence, especially inside a democratic institution like Parliament,” the EU’s foreign policy chief said in a statement.
