Anti-government-Presidents Supporting Demonstrators Clash, Serbia, 37 People Arrested

JAKARTA - Hundreds of anti-government protesters clashed with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday evening over the anniversary of the collapse of the roof of the deadly building.

The incident sparked a movement led by youth against allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Both sides threw flares at the height of weekend demonstrations in Serbia's second-largest capital and city, Novi Sad, where the disaster occurred, after months of demonstrations sparked by anger over failure to try anyone.

The clashes have rocked the government, and protesters have called for a quick election.

As reported by Reuters on Sunday, protesters gathered near the parliament building in Belgrade to support the hunger strike launched by Dijana Hrka, whose son was among 16 people killed when the roof of the renovated train station collapsed.

Hrka and his supporters were detained outside the fence separating the tent area that houses Vucic supporters who have blocked the highway in front of the parliament building since March.

Police intervened and separated the crowd after flares were thrown in both directions, according to a Reuters video.

Vucic supporters also played music through loudspeakers, which angered the protesters.

"At least 37 people were arrested," the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

The charges imposed included "violating public order and peace and causing incidents during public gatherings that were not announced," police said.