The Higher Court in Novi Sad has ordered a 30-day detention for a suspect accused of violent behavior during protests in the city center on February 16, authorities reported.
The court cited special circumstances indicating that the suspect could interfere with the proceedings by influencing witnesses or potentially commit another crime, according to the announcement made on February 19. The decision can be appealed to the criminal panel of the Higher Court.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad had earlier proposed detention for G.M., alleging the suspect committed violent acts at a public gathering.
The incident occurred during simultaneous gatherings of pro-government supporters and anti-government student protesters, separated by police cordons. Several students and journalists were attacked, reportedly insulted, hit, and kicked, while police were initially slow to respond. Victims were provided on-site medical assistance and subsequently taken to the Emergency Center for examinations.
Photos circulated on social media by student groups and opposition parties allegedly show the attackers, described as “thugs of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS)” who have reportedly targeted protesters in the past.
Commenting on the arrest, President Aleksandar Vučić stated he had not yet decided whether to grant a pardon, and accused anti-government demonstrators of attempting to provoke incidents while harassing older citizens.
The Ministry of Interior has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the incidents. The clashes occurred in front of the Serbian National Theatre (SNP) during a ceremony inside marking 200 years of Matica Srpska, attended by government representatives.
