A chaotic scene unfolded near the Faculty of Law in Belgrade today, May 14, 2026, as an unidentified driver was arrested after striking a 90-year-old man with his vehicle during a somber protest blockade.
The incident occurred during a planned 16-minute period of silence to honor the victims of the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse.
Escalation and Violence
Witnesses told Nedeljnik that the incident began around 11:52 AM at the intersection of Bulevar kralja Aleksandra and Beogradska Street. An “Opel Astra” with Belgrade license plates approached the student-led blockade.
- Initial Altercation: Although students reportedly intended to let the car pass, two men exited the vehicle and began verbally abusing and physically attacking the protesters. Reports suggest at least one student was slapped.
- The Hit-and-Run Attempt: When other citizens rushed to assist the students, the driver and passenger re-entered the car and reversed at high speed. During this maneuver, they struck a 90-year-old pensioner.
- Citizens’ Intervention: The driver attempted to flee the scene but was pursued by citizens who managed to stop the vehicle at the corner of Bulevar kralja Aleksandra and Desanke Maksimović. During the pursuit, the car’s rear window was smashed.
Delayed Police Response
The situation remained tense for several minutes following the pursuit.
- Police Standoff: The driver and passenger remained inside the running vehicle for approximately ten minutes. Witnesses and reporters noted that police initially refused to remove the driver from the car despite demands from a large crowd of gathered citizens.
- Arrest: Following persistent pressure from the public, police eventually took the driver into custody and transported him in a police vehicle.
Medical Condition of the Victim
Emergency services arrived roughly ten minutes after the incident to treat the elderly victim.
- Status: The 90-year-old man was transported to the Emergency Center (Urgentni Centar).
- Condition: The latest reports indicate that he is currently conscious.
Unresolved Legal Steps
Protesting students have claimed that, to their knowledge, an official police report (zapisnik) was not immediately completed at the scene. The portal N1 has officially requested a statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) regarding the arrest and the conduct of the officers involved.
The blockade remains active as citizens continue to gather at the site of the incident.
