Protesters clashed with riot police in Novi Sad on the evening of Friday, September 5th, during a student-led demonstration that turned violent following police intervention.
Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić told public broadcaster RTS on Saturday that 42 people were arrested, and 13 police officers were injured in the clashes, which began when officers started removing people from the University of Novi Sad’s Faculty of Philosophy building.
According to local media reports and videos posted on social media, riot police used large amounts of tear gas and pepper spray, and beat some individuals—including journalists visibly marked with press credentials and people who did not appear to resist.
The government claims police were attacked, while protesters insist the demonstration was peaceful until officers moved in. Video footage appears to show that the violence began outside the philosophy faculty, where some protesters attacked police, mainly using batons.
However, prior to the violence, the Interior Ministry claimed that participants in the unannounced demonstration were planning to attack police stationed outside the university’s faculties of philosophy and physical education. An official statement cautioned:
We warn those gathered to respect the law and not attack the police. Otherwise, the police will be forced to respond (…) to maintain public order and peace.
The weekend’s confrontation follows Novi Sad street battles in mid-August, which left dozens injured.
