Earlier that afternoon, two mass rallies were held, one in support of, and one against, the pro-Russian government of Aleksandar Vučić, who has ruled Serbia for over 11 years (first as prime minister, now as president), according to opposition TV channel N1.Vučić supporters gathered in Pionirski Park; opponents met at Slavija Square.The rallies were timed to coincide with Vidovdan, a Serbian national holiday with roots in pre-Christian tradition, celebrated this year on June 28.Meanwhile, pro-government media labeled the anti-Vucic demonstrators, mostly students, as "terrorists" and "blockaders," referencing their past tactics of institutional blockades."Time is running out, but not for us. This is no longer a student protest. We’re staying here as citizens. This isn't the end of our fight for a better society," said one student representative, quoted by N1."Elections are the only clear way out of the social crisis caused by a government acting against its own people," read a statement from the youth opposition, delivered from the stage after 6:00 p.m.Police used tear gas on protesters. Bottles and stones were thrown back in response.The last major protest in Belgrade was on March 15, 2025. Organizers claimed a turnout of 1 million, while police loyal to Vučić reported 107,000 participants.Authorities used a sound cannon to disperse the crowd.