Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic on Sunday announced compelling measures against anti-government protesters following days of riots in the streets throughout Serbia that have challenged his increasingly autocratic rule in the Balkan country.

Thousands of people defied Vucic’s threat of a crackdown and protested later on Sunday in various Serbian towns, including the capital Belgrade. Shouting “Arrest Vucic,” the protesters demanded that all those detained in the past days be released. No incidents were reported.

In one of his frequent TV addresses to the public, Vucic accused the anti-government demonstrators of “pure terrorism” and reiterated his claims that months of persistent protests against his rule have been orchestrated in the West and aimed at destroying Serbia.

“Our country is in grave danger; they have put all our values, our normal lives, and every single individual at risk,” Vucic said, claiming that there is a detailed plan to bring “anarchist leftists” to power in the future. He did not provide any concrete evidence for his claims.

“Unless we undertake tougher steps it is a question of days when they (protesters) will kill someone,” Vucic said. “I am saying this for history.”

Protesters set fire to buildings belonging to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and some of its coalition partners.Police responded with tear gas, and there were reports of numerous injuries and arrests.The protests have escalated into a major crisis in recent weeks, following nine months of anti-government demonstrations.

The protests began after 16 people were killed in a train station collapse last year, which was linked to allegations of corruption. (lLKHA)