Mass anti-govt protests hit Serbian capital (VIDEO)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has vowed to “defend the country” and warned protesters against violence

Thousands of protestors hit the streets of Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday demanding dissolution of the parliament and snap elections. The new round of protests comes after eight months of intermittent unrest triggered by the deadly collapse of a concrete canopy at a railway station in the city of Novi Sad last November.

Saturday’s demonstration coalesced after the Serbian government refused to heed an “ultimatum” issued by student groups calling for the dissolution of parliament, which would pave the way for snap elections.

They demanded that an announcement to such an effect be made by 9pm on Saturday and threatened “civil disobedience” if one was not forthcoming.

The Serbian authorities snubbed the demand, with President Aleksandar Vucic stating only the government was ready to “hear out” the protesters and warning them against violence. The country’s leadership has repeatedly suggested the unrest is being stirred up from abroad and described the protests as an attempt at a ‘color revolution.

READ MORE: Vucic urges protesters to avoid ‘madness’ of violent unrest

Vucic reiterated this stance earlier on Saturday, blaming the unrest on unspecified “foreign powers.” “The country will be defended, and thugs will face justice,” Vucic told reporters.

The canopy collapse in Novi Sad killed 16 people and led to demands for political and criminal accountability. The latest round of protests coincides with Vidovdan, Serbia’s main national and religious holiday, which is celebrated on June 28.