Student protests in Serbia, which have been lasting for months after the November 1, 2024 tragedy in Novi Sad where 16 people died after the collapse of a tent has entered a new phase of tension.
Students of the Faculty of Law in Novi Sad today entered the premises of the Faculty of Philosophy, where their peers are staying for days in protest of the request of accountability by the authorities.
The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Milivoj Alanovic, intervened demanding their departure, and in the morning ordered a blockade of the building.
Shortly thereafter, the intervention unit and three police cars arrived at the scene, and then the gendarmerie was included, N1 television reported.
The situation remains tense, as students say they are determined to continue the protest until the authorities are responsible for losing lives.
Students and professors joined farmers and groups of citizens throughout the day to provide them with support.
Students of the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad: Dean Alanovic resigns immediately
Students and a number of citizens gathered for the sixth night in front of the building of the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad, demanding the resignation of the Dean Milivoe Alanovic, who on Tuesday forcibly entered the building with several employees and pulled out students blocking the faculty.
Students of the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Novi Sad condemned the actions of the Dean Milivoj Alanovic and demanded his immediate resignation because “by his behavior he lost legitimacy to perform that function forever.”
According to them, calling the police at the faculty without the consultation and consent of the academic community, Dean Alanovic severely violated the autonomy of the university and the basic values of the academic community, such as dialogue and respect for dignity.
Students seek independent investigation into incidents with Dean and Police, warn civil disobedience
In an official announcement, students demand that all incidents involving the dean, employees and police during the previous period be investigated independently, and that responsible are adequately sanctioned.
They also require guarantees for their right to express their opinions, to gather and take an active part in academic life without fear of repression.
Students warn that if their demands are ignored, they will continue with forms of civil and student disobedience, stressing that the protection of academic values and their rights is an obligation, not option.
Government supporters are organized against blockades across Serbia
Citizens meetings that oppose blockades have begun throughout Serbia, and this time citizens are also gathering in the big cities- Belgrade, Novi Sad, Kragujevc- reports Tanjung.
According to this media it has been announced, the gatherings will say that blockades hinder daily functioning and that citizens want a normal life, move freely, work and study.
