Threat of new lockdown triggers riots in Serbia

THOUSANDS of protesters have clashed with police after Serbia threatened to reinstate lockdown because of a spike in virus cases.

Sixty people were hurt in running battles as demonstrators tried to storm parliament in Belgrade to challenge the move.

President Aleksandar Vucic said a weekend curfew was needed after the Balkan country reported 13 new deaths – its highest single-day toll since the beginning of the crisis.

But he later backtracked, hinting nightclub hours could be cut and fines imposed on people not wearing masks to curb Covid-19’s spread.

He alleged foreign spy agencies and ‘right-wing and pro-fascist demonstrators’ were behind the protest, adding: ‘We will never allow the destabilisation of Serbia from within and abroad.’ But critics claim the rise in cases is down to Mr Vucic lifting lockdown too early in May.