The protest in Belgrade is aimed to destabilise Serbia and it goes in favour of the enemies of Serbia and Serb people, said Bosnian Serb leader and Serb member of the State Presidency, Milorad Dodik.

“All problems, if they exist, should be solved within institutions, democratically, and not through violence and demolition of your own city and property. Nobody likes violence and that's what Serbia needs the least at this moment,” said a statement issued by Dodik's office on Wednesday.

The statement comes in the wake of a mass protest in Belgrade, triggered by Serbian President's announcement of a new lockdown over the coronavirus spread. The protesters said it was the government that allowed the virus surge by lifting most of the measures in early May.

The demonstrations turned violent after the police fired teargas to disperse the crowd in front of the State Parliament.

Serbia's top officials condemned what they said was an assault on the parliament and said the state would use force to respond to force.

All political options in Serbia should join together and fight against the coronavirus, said the Bosnian Serb leader, adding that all “street developments” are a barrier to that and they jeopardise Serbia's position.

“Serbia did not introduce rigorous measures on a whim but with one goal only – to combat the coronavirus spread and protect the health of citizens. Therefore, this is not and cannot be a reason for any riots,” said Dodik.