Serbia police clash with protesters calling for early election

President Aleksandar Vucic - populist and close to Russia - has faced months of protests and alleges a foreign coup plot.

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A sea of around 140,000 protesters rallied in the city on Saturday, the largest turnout in recent months, as student-led demonstrations mount pressure on the populist government. "We want elections!" the crowd chanted.

Dozens were arrested, with riot police seen firing tear gas and stun grenades.

President Vucic accused protesters calling for an election of being part of a foreign plot trying to usurp his country. "They wanted to topple Serbia, and they have failed," he wrote on his Instagram page.

On Friday, five people were detained, accused of plotting to overthrow the government, according to a statement from Serbia's Higher Court in Belgrade.