Serbian lawmakers throw grenade inside parliament to support anti-corruption protests

Serbian opposition lawmakers have disrupted a parliamentary session by setting off teargas and grenades in protest against the government and in support of student-led anti-corruption demonstrations.

Tensions flared on Tuesday, the opening day of the spring session, when members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) approved the parliamentary agenda.

Opposition politicians rushed towards Ana Brnabić, speaker of the parliament, clashing with security guards before throwing smoke grenades and tear gas inside the chamber.

Footage shared online showed black and pink smoke filling the assembly hall.

Outside the parliament building, protesters stood in silence to honour the 15 people who died when a train station roof collapsed last year.

The disaster, which followed recent renovations, led to widespread anger and allegations of corruption in public infrastructure projects.

Some opposition lawmakers held signs reading “General strike” and “Justice for the killed”.

Brnabić condemned the disruption, saying: “Your colour revolution has failed, and this country will live; this country will work and this country will continue to win”.

She added that two lawmakers had been injured in the scuffles, including one who suffered a stroke and was in critical condition.

The protests have increased pressure on President Aleksandar Vučić’s government, leading to several high-profile resignations, including that of the prime minister in January.