Police in Serbia detain nearly 40 people as opposition plans more protests against election results

Serbian police said they have detained at least 38 people who took part in a protest against reported widespread irregularities during a recent general ballot

Serbian police said on December 25 they have detained at least 38 people who took part in a protest against reported widespread irregularities during a recent general ballot that declared the governing populists as winners of the parliamentary and local councils' elections.

Claiming election fraud, particularly in the capital, Belgrade, Opposition group Serbia Against Violence has been staging protests since the December 17 elections while some politicians began a hunger strike. On Sunday evening, hundreds of protesters tried to enter Belgarde's city council, breaking windows, before riot police pushed them back using tear gas, pepper spray and batons.

Senior police official Ivica Ivkovic told reporters those detained are facing charges of inciting violent change of constitutional order —in reference to attempting to overthrow the governmnet — and violent behavior. He added that eight officers were injured, several seriously.

The Opposition said police beat up some of its supporters.

With more protests planned for later on Monday, police warned they would not allow roads or bridges to be blocked in the capital.

Police “are ready and capable of countering any acts of violence with determination," Ivkovic said.

The country’s Serbian Progressive Party has denied rigging the vote and described the elections as fair despite criticism from international monitors and local election observers.