Blockade of Novi Sad Courthouse Enters Third Day

(BETAPHOTO/DRAGAN GOJIC)

From the early hours of May 19, university students and members of the general public have been gathering in front of Novi Sad’s Courthouse, continuing the blockade started on May 15 and demanding an official response to the appeals filed on behalf of six activists accused of treason, who have been jailed for over 60 days.

Milan Canak, the son of detained professor Marija Vasic, has said that neither her family nor defense team have received any official information on Vasic’s health. Vasic entered a thirst strike two months into her incarceration after the court extended her detention by another 30 days and has since been transferred to the Belgrade Prison Hospital.

So far May 19 has seen a significantly smaller police presence at the courthouse compared to May 15 and 16, when some protestors clashed with officers leading to members of the public being injured and hit in the face with pepper spray used by the police.

“Marija is not asking for mercy, but freedom for everyone,” one of the signs wielded in front of the courthouse reads.

The blockade of Novi Sad’s courthouse began early on May 15. Ever since, university students and members of the public have been taking turns obstructing access to the building, stating the blockade will last until all Novi Sad activists are released from detention, where – it was stressed – they are being held illegally.