Tensions flared across Serbia for a third consecutive night on August 14 as anti-government protests turned violent in several cities, deepening concerns over escalating police brutality and authoritarian tactics by the government of President Aleksandar Vucic.

In Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, demonstrators stormed the local offices of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), smashing windows, tossing furniture and party materials onto the street and splattering the entrance with paint. The incident followed widespread unrest in the capital Belgrade, where police in full riot gear clashed with protesters and supporters of the SNS.

The protests, sparked by months of discontent with the government’s handling of an infrastructure collapse in Novi Sad, have taken an ugly turn as disturbing footage of police violence circulates on social media.

One video, widely shared on the X social network, appeared to show members of the Intervention Unit of the Police (IJP) standing behind a group of approximately 15 young men, kneeling against a gym wall with their hands restrained behind their backs. The footage drew comparisons to war-zone detentions, with users invoking images of Guantanamo Bay and ISIS captivity.

Separately, another video showed armed police in the city of Valjevo beating a man who had already fallen to the ground.

In response to reports of excessive force, the Police Department in Novi Sad issued a statement addressing the treatment of a 12-year-old boy detained during the protests. According to authorities, the boy had travelled from Sremska Mitrovica with his grandfather and was found alone near the site of the unrest after allegedly participating in attacks on SNS offices and police.

"He was brought to the official premises in a manner that is in accordance with the law," the police statement said. The boy was later released to social services and returned to his grandfather. The High Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed he would not face charges due to his age.

The government’s response has drawn criticism from opposition groups and international observers, who accuse Vucic's administration of deliberately provoking violence to discredit a protest movement that has been largely peaceful for the past nine months.

Vucic, speaking to pro-government broadcaster Informer TV, rejected such claims and blamed protesters for the violence. "I think it is clear they did not want peace and Gandhian protests. There will be more arrests," he said.

With tensions high and more protests expected on August 15, Serbia now faces one of its most volatile moments in recent years — a crisis observers warn could quickly spiral out of control if not de-escalated.