Novi Sad University School of Philosophy (Photo: Dalibor Stupar)
Jan. 22 at the Novi Sad University School of Philosophy began peacefully, after the previous evening’s intervention when strong police forces forcibly removed the students, staff and members of the general public gathered at the school in support of fired professor Jelena Kleut. Kleut’s contract with the School was officially terminated on Jan. 21.
Certain professors and students are boycotting classes, while others are working/attending regularly.
The students of Novi Sad U have announced a plenary assembly in the School of Philosophy’s entry hall, but it is possible the gathering will be held at another department.
On Jan. 21, Kleut’s supporters blocked the School of Philosophy between 12 p.m. and around 3:30 p.m., when a police patrol arrived at the scene, summoned by the Dean Milivoje Alanovic. Afterwards, several hundred members of the Intervention Unit and Gendarmerie entered the building and forcibly evicted all protestors.
BETA’s correspondent on the ground witnessed police repeatedly striking and shoving the protestors while removing them from the School’s entry hall.
In the tussle, Nova reporter Natasa Kovacev was jostled against the main doors, while Blokada Info correspondent Ugljesa Surducki was winded by a blow – although both wore clearly visible, fluorescent PRESS vests.
Later in the evening, videos surfaced showing police dragging a young man across the floor as well as officers repeatedly hitting the protestors while forcing them from the building.
That evening, police also took into custody Milan Jacimovic, the underage son of bus operator Milomir Jacimovic, who has been a staunch supporter of the university student protest movement, much to his own detriment. According to his lawyer, Petar Prelic, the younger Jacimovic was taken in for questioning for “disturbing public order and peace” and released shortly after.
Police cordons remained at the School of Philosophy for several hours past 7 p.m., when the protestors dispersed.
In a Jan. 21. evening address, Interior Minister Ivica Dacic denied allegations of the police using undue force.
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