TENS of thousands of people rallied in Serbia’s capital on Saturday for a fifth time in a month, following two mass shootings that shook the nation, while the country’s populist president ignored the protesters’ demands to step down.

The crowd, chanting slogans against President Aleksandar Vucic, marched through Belgrade to gather in front of his downtown headquarters. They released a large balloon with the inscription: “Vucic go away.”

University students led the march, holding a banner that read: “Serbia against violence!”

The opposition protesters have been demanding the resignations of senior government officials and the revocation of broadcasting licences for TV networks which, they say, promote violence and glorify crime figures.

It was reported that Saturday’s march included right-wing groups promoting a nationalist agenda.

Analysts say some of these groups have close ties to Serbia’s security service.

The opposition has accused Mr Vucic of fuelling intolerance and hate speech during his autocratic rule, while illegally seizing control of all state institutions. 

Mr Vucic has denied this, claiming the opposition groups want him toppled by force.

“They just need to know that dead or alive, including my children, I will fight against those who support violence,” President Vucic told a pro-government TV station. 

Another protest is planned for next week.