In Novi Sad, students of the University and local citizens blocked the entrance to the city’s judicial institutions this morning, protesting what they describe as unfounded arrests following recent demonstrations.
During the blockade, provincial MP Radivoje Jovović was detained, according to N1 reporters on the scene. The reason for his arrest has not yet been clarified.
At all four entrances to the building, police cordons were deployed. From Maksim Gorki Street, employees began entering the courthouse around 8:30 a.m., escorted behind police lines. Protesters shouted “Shame!”, blew whistles and vuvuzelas, and beat drums to voice their discontent.
One lane of Maksim Gorki Street was blocked after police pushed demonstrators off the sidewalk to ensure access for judicial staff. Additional police reinforcements also entered the courthouse, and a large number of police vehicles remain stationed around the building.
The blockade, which began at 6:00 a.m., is described by students as an act of resistance against “legal violence and arbitrary detentions” of their colleagues and friends.
Protesters demand the immediate release of all detainees, arguing they are being held without evidence while facing severe charges, including assaulting officials, violent behavior, disturbing public order, and even attempted murder.
So far, courts have ordered 30-day detention for 12 protesters. Six of them face charges of attempted murder for allegedly attacking members of the Serbian Army’s Special Military Police Unit “Cobras” during last week’s protests in Novi Sad. Five are being held at Klis prison, while one is under house arrest with electronic monitoring due to deteriorating health.
The blockade follows earlier protests held on Sunday and Monday, after which demonstrators announced today’s escalation of their action.
