Clashes between protesters and law enforcement occurred outside a philosophy department building in Novi Sad.
A significant student demonstration in Novi Sad, Serbia, turned violent Friday evening.
Protesters threw rocks and bottles at police stationed outside the University of Novi Sad’s Philosophy Faculty building, leading to officers deploying tear gas.
The student demonstrators are alleging government corruption and demanding accountability for the fatal collapse of a concrete overhang at the Novi Sad train station in November, which resulted in 16 deaths.
For months, demonstrations have been taking place in Belgrade and other cities, including blockades of educational institutions.
The conflict on Friday began after students demanded police vacate the Philosophy Faculty grounds, where they had been placed last month by dean Milivoj Alanovic. Blokada FFUNS, the activist group coordinating the blockade, has accused Alanovic of abusing his authority.
Serbian news outlets are reporting multiple arrests made outside the campus. According to Blokada FFUNS, one student was hit in the leg by a rubber bullet.
🚨🇷🇸 BREAKING NEWS: Chaos in Serbia!
Riot police storm Novi Sad streets – injuries and arrests reported as President Aleksandar Vučić is addressing the nation!
— Global Dissident (@GlobalDiss)
Police Director Dragan Vasiljevic stated that officers intervened following reports of “an attack” against security personnel protecting the campus. He added, “All citizens must respect the laws and regulations of this country.”
KEROVI DRHTE OD STRAHA‼️⛽️
📍Kampus, Novi Sad
— 𝓐𝓝𝓨𝓐 ~ God’s Whip (@AnjaBG96)
The protests have already led to the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and the arrest of several officials, including a former trade minister, on charges of corruption.
President Aleksandar Vucic has alleged that the unrest is being incited by foreign entities, criticizing what he described as “violence disguised as activism.”
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