Chaos In Serbian Parliament As Opposition Hurl Smoke Grenades, Flares In Protest: WATCH

Serbian parliament witnessed unusual scenes on Tuesday as MPs lit flares and discharged teargas that filled the buidling with smoke on the opening day of spring session. 

The opposition lawmakers came up with this move in a sign of support for anti-corruption protests, reported The Guardian. 

The incident took place on Tuesday at the legislative session after the ruling coalition led by the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) approved the agenda. Some opposition politicians ran out of their seats towards the parliamentary speaker, Ana Brnabić, and scuffled with security guards.

The action, which unfolded on live TV, showed some lawmakers tossing smoke grenades and teargas filling the room with black and pink smoke. 

A live video feed showed the speaker lashing out at the opposition's protest: "Your colour revolution has failed, and this country will live; this country will work and this country will continue to win.”

Two MPs were injured in the commotion, Brnabić said with one who had earlier suffered a stroke was in critical condition. “The parliament will continue to work and to defend Serbia,” she told the session.

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Anti-Corruption Protests In Serbia 

The country has been rocked for months by student-led anti-corruption protests which were sparked after the collapse of a train station roof last year killing 15. 

The movement has mounted increasing pressure on President, Aleksandar Vučić, and the Serbian government leading to the resignation of several high-ranking officials, including the prime minister in January.

The collapse of the station roof in Novi Sad in November ignited long-simmering anger among the citizens over corruption and the alleged lack of oversight for construction and development projects. 

Vučić and other government officials have been oscillating between calling for talks and alleging backing of foreign powers behind the demonstrations.