Students across Serbia are protesting after pro-government thugs attacked demonstrators in Novi Sad.
Student Protests Erupt Across Serbia
Students took to the streets, including in Belgrade, Cacak, Nis, and Novi Sad. Witnesses reported that in the capital, police destroyed banners placed around the university campus and surrounded a group of protesters. Officers arrested some demonstrators. Videos from the protests appeared on social media.
Thugs Attack Students in Novi Sad
The latest protests were organized in response to incidents in Novi Sad. On Monday, February 16, an anti-government demonstration took place there during which thugs beat at least four protesting students. According to the demonstration organizers, the attacks were carried out by supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party. It was also reported that police at the scene initially did not react.
Statement from Novi Sad Citizens
A group of citizens from Novi Sad, who organized Tuesday’s demonstration, published a statement regarding attacks on students. “For almost 15 months, students have been leading the fight for all of us. They are attacking them with cars, sticks, fists… Yesterday they sent criminals, blinded by hatred, armed with the blessing of the party, who were breaking their heads in front of blind and deaf policemen” – the statement quoted by the Polish Press Agency.
Protests Sparked by Construction Disaster
Protests in Serbia have been ongoing since November 2024. That’s when a construction disaster occurred at the Novi Sad train station, in which 16 people died. Protesters accuse Serbian authorities of negligence and corruption, which they believe led to the disaster. Demonstrators demand accountability for those responsible for the irregularities and the scheduling of early elections.