Serbian authorities detained six individuals on Wednesday on allegations of planning violent actions against police officers and political opponents in connection with the parliamentary election scheduled for Sunday.

According to a statement from the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office, five of the suspects were apprehended in Novi Sad, a city in northern Serbia. These individuals are accused of inciting and encouraging an armed attempt to overthrow the highest state authorities. Prosecutors said the group had been recruiting participants they intended to transport to Belgrade on election day to carry out attacks targeting political rivals and law enforcement personnel.

The sixth suspect, arrested in the capital city of Belgrade, allegedly was responsible for training mobile teams to engage in physical confrontations and violence, actions described by prosecutors as preparations resembling a state of war.

The election follows a series of anti-government demonstrations led primarily by students over the past 18 months. These protests have centered on issues such as corruption and the rule of law. Former president Aleksandar Vucic, who stepped down from the presidency last month, called for the early election aiming to transition to the role of prime minister, thereby continuing his 12-year dominance in Serbian politics.

Political analysts anticipate a tight contest between Vucic-backed candidates and opposition figures supported by the student movement, who are campaigning on platforms focused on combating corruption and strengthening democratic institutions.