Novi Sad School of Philosophy Students Call Afternoon Rally for Aug. 27

Protest in Belgrade on June 28 (BETAPHOTO/MILAN ILIC)

The blockading students of the Novi Sad University’s School of Philosophy have called on the public to gather in front of the school at 3 p.m. on Aug. 27, in protest against their dean evicting them from the premises.

BETA’s correspondent on the ground has reported that, as of the morning of Aug. 27, the plateau in front of the school – where students had been protesting throughout Aug. 26 – is now empty. The improvised tent in front of the building’s entrance, where the public brought food and beverage donations to the protesting students, has also been removed.

Part of the nationwide strike against government corruption, the Novi Sad philosophy students had been blockading their school for months. This was brought to an end on Aug. 26, when the dean and a few professors entered the building, evicted the blockading students and changed the locks on the main doors.

A full day of rallies in front of the school ensued, with police and gendarmerie arriving as well. In the evening, the dean was promised safe passage by the protestors and several officers entered the building to escort him out of the building, but he was not seen leaving, although demonstrators lingered until about 1 a.m. on Aug. 27.