Tensions continue to escalate at the University of Novi Pazar, as the ongoing crisis there reached a boiling point Monday night. Masked individuals reportedly used force to expel students from the university building, plunging the campus into chaos.
On Tuesday, students returned to the university premises, after police—who initially appeared to protect the attackers withdrew from the scene. Following these developments, the first arrests were made.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić addressed the situation, confirming law enforcement action:
“Arrests have begun in Novi Pazar. Four individuals who used violence against Serbian police and their fellow citizens have just been detained. Arrests will continue,” he said in a phone interview with pro-government television Informer, as reported by N1.
Vučić urged calm among local Serbs:
“The state is stronger than any violent group,” he emphasized.
However, the president also launched an unexpected attack on Rasim Ljajić, the head of football club Partizan. When asked why Ljajić—who no longer holds public office but leads the party that holds a majority in Novi Pazar—has not called for peace, Vučić responded:
“How is he not a state official? Being president of Partizan is one of the ten most important positions in the country. These people are part of the government. They lead one of the key ministries, they run important agencies… don’t be fooled by that narrative,” Vučić said.
In reality, Rasim Ljajić has not held any governmental role for years, despite his prominence in political and sports circles.
