Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has described Bogdan Jovičić, a student at the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad, as a “hooligan” and accused him of vandalism and destruction of property.
Speaking on Blic TV, Vučić claimed that Jovičić was arrested for “breaking into and destroying someone’s premises without shame or fear, proudly carrying out those acts.” He added that Jovičić allegedly carried the object used in the vandalism throughout the city, later removing his face covering, which allowed police to identify him.
According to Vučić, 3,150 citizens gathered on Thursday evening in solidarity with Jovičić across Serbia. However, the president condemned attempts to portray him as a hero, stressing that “every citizen should condemn his actions.”
When asked whether it was excessive that Jovičić attended his father’s funeral escorted from custody in leg shackles, Vučić distanced himself, saying the decision depended on whether authorities considered him a flight risk.
Protests Against Jovičić’s Imprisonment and Police Brutality
On the same night, thousands of students and citizens took to the streets in several Serbian cities, including Belgrade and Novi Sad, to protest Jovičić’s imprisonment and to denounce police brutality during recent demonstrations.
Protesters carried banners reading “Freedom for Bogdan” and “Stop Police Violence”, demanding the immediate release of Jovičić and accountability for the excessive use of force against students.
Student organizations accused the government of attempting to intimidate young activists, while rights groups warned that Serbia is witnessing an escalation of authoritarian practices.
Videos circulating on social media showed police in riot gear clashing with demonstrators, while chants of “Vučić, resign!” echoed through downtown Belgrade late into the night.
Blockades and Security Concerns
Vučić also commented on student blockades, claiming participants had gathered 24,000 times illegally, without filing requests in accordance with the law. Despite this, he admitted he had personally initiated a decision for police to secure those gatherings to ensure safety, even though the move was “not in line with the law.”
