Sawt Falasteen - Clashes erupt in several Serbian cities in fifth night of unrest

In the central city of Valjevo, where thousands had gathered to protest, a small group of masked young men attacked the empty facilities of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, setting them on fire.

They subsequently clashed with riot police, the protester throwing fireworks and rocks as the officers replied with with stun grenades and tear gas.

In Belgrade, clashes also broke out after police stopped demonstrators headed for the ruling party's headquarters, as their anger grows anger at the party of right-wing President Aleksandar Vucic.

Some clashes were also reported in the northern city of Novi Sad, the country's second largest.

Almost daily protests have gripped Serbia since November, following the collapse of a railway station roof that killed 16 people.

The tragedy became a symbol of deep-rooted corruption in the Balkan nation, with demands for a transparent investigation growing into calls for early elections.

At their peak, the protests drew hundreds of thousands on to the streets.

But the mostly peaceful demonstrations escalated earlier this week, as large groups of pro-government supporters -- many masked and some armed with batons and fireworks -- attacked protesters.

That has sparked violent clashes for several nights, leaving many injured on both sides.

Protests were further fuelled after several videos shared online showed police striking unarmed demonstrators with batons.

In one video from Thursday night appeared to show around 20 officers surrounded and beat a young man in Valjevo while he lay on the ground.

Police have denied allegations of brutality, accusing demonstrators of having attacked officers.

While the protests have so far led to the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the government, Vucic has remained defiant.

He has repeatedly rejected calls for early elections and denounced the demonstrations as part of a foreign plot to overthrow him.

His party remains at the helm of a government reshaped by parliament.

L.AbuTayeh--SF-PST