Students in blockade organized a large-scale protest in Novi Pazar under the slogan “Either Them or Us”, after more than 200 university students lost their student status and around 30 professors were dismissed from the State University of Novi Pazar (DUNP).
The main program was scheduled for 5:00 PM, when students addressed the public, while protests and blockades of key roads and the main highway began earlier in the day.
Peaceful protest with broad national support
- The protest unfolded in a peaceful and organized atmosphere, accompanied by music and symbolic messages emphasizing unity and solidarity.
- Students and citizens from across Serbia arrived in Novi Pazar, some by bicycle and even on horseback, to show support.
- University buildings were decorated with faculty flags brought by students from other Serbian universities.
Key messages and demands
Students accuse authorities of systematic dismantling of the university, demanding:
- Accountability and resignations of those they say violated university autonomy
- Restoration of student rights and reinstatement of dismissed staff
- Fulfillment of long-standing demands, which they say have been ignored for over a year
A banner displayed on the university building read “We Demand Resignations”, alongside photos of individuals students accuse of unlawfully entering university premises with external groups.
Moments of solidarity and remembrance
- Protesters held a moment of silence for 16 victims of the Novi Sad railway canopy collapse.
- Tribute was also paid to a female student who died after a fall at a student dormitory in Belgrade.
- The Sandžak Mufti, Muhamed ef. Demirović, highlighted the protest as an example of cooperation between Muslims and Orthodox Christians, Bosniaks and Serbs.
Political reactions
The local branch of Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) issued a statement accusing “political marginal figures” of attempting to provoke tensions and divisions in the city.
What’s next
Students announced that protests will continue until all demands are met, and expressed hope that upcoming demonstrations in Belgrade on December 28 could lead to independent student political engagement, separate from traditional opposition parties.
