Serbian President Supports Students Following Violent Incidents
Aleksandar Vučić condemns violence against students seeking to learn amid protests and arrests.
In a statement posted on social media, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed his support for students attacked in Belgrade, stating, "Uvek ćaci, nikad naci!" which translates to "Always 'Ćaci', never 'Naci'!" This declaration aligns with his defense of students who faced violence while attempting to pursue their education.
The incidents occurred following protests related to student rights and opposition to blockades at universities.
The President referred to the violence as reminiscent of a prior incident in Niš, asserting that the state had endured ongoing provocations and would now take action against the perpetrators.
"Beograd i Srbija to sebi ne mogu i ne smeju da dopuste," he asserted, emphasizing the need for the state to respond decisively to such acts.
Vučić characterized the violence as a concerted attack on the principles of freedom and democracy, reinforcing his commitment to upholding these values in Serbia.
Simultaneously, protests took place outside a police station in Novi Beograd where students gathered to demand the release of their detained peers.
Students have claimed that arrests were made following an altercation involving Miloš Pavlović, a student who was reportedly attacked for wanting to learn.
Reports indicate that during the incident, Pavlović was targeted with physical assaults and projectiles as he attempted to study.
According to local media, a total of 18 individuals were reported to have been arrested in connection with the violence.
Students rallied outside the police station, chanting demands for the release of those detained and expressing their solidarity with their colleagues.
A student spokesperson stated that the unity among the students signifies their commitment to democratic ideals and their right to safety while pursuing education.
In a related statement, Serbian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Adriana Mesarović, condemned the attacks on students, describing the incidents as a disgraceful violation of the right to free expression.
She stated, "This is not a protest; this is lynching,” calling for accountability for those involved in the violence.
Mesarović urged authorities to ensure that all responsible parties are identified and punished, reinforcing the importance of preserving a society that respects diverse opinions and dialogue.
The backdrop to this escalation is a growing tension around issues of freedom of expression and student activism in Serbia.
Late in the evening, President Vučić met with Pavlović, where he reiterated that violence would no longer be tolerated.
He expressed pride in the resilience of the students and reiterated his administration's position against fascism, declaring, "Srbija će da pobedi."
As protests develop, the situation remains fluid, with students vowing to continue their efforts until their demands for justice and respect for their rights are addressed.
The incidents occurred following protests related to student rights and opposition to blockades at universities.
The President referred to the violence as reminiscent of a prior incident in Niš, asserting that the state had endured ongoing provocations and would now take action against the perpetrators.
"Beograd i Srbija to sebi ne mogu i ne smeju da dopuste," he asserted, emphasizing the need for the state to respond decisively to such acts.
Vučić characterized the violence as a concerted attack on the principles of freedom and democracy, reinforcing his commitment to upholding these values in Serbia.
Simultaneously, protests took place outside a police station in Novi Beograd where students gathered to demand the release of their detained peers.
Students have claimed that arrests were made following an altercation involving Miloš Pavlović, a student who was reportedly attacked for wanting to learn.
Reports indicate that during the incident, Pavlović was targeted with physical assaults and projectiles as he attempted to study.
According to local media, a total of 18 individuals were reported to have been arrested in connection with the violence.
Students rallied outside the police station, chanting demands for the release of those detained and expressing their solidarity with their colleagues.
A student spokesperson stated that the unity among the students signifies their commitment to democratic ideals and their right to safety while pursuing education.
In a related statement, Serbian Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Adriana Mesarović, condemned the attacks on students, describing the incidents as a disgraceful violation of the right to free expression.
She stated, "This is not a protest; this is lynching,” calling for accountability for those involved in the violence.
Mesarović urged authorities to ensure that all responsible parties are identified and punished, reinforcing the importance of preserving a society that respects diverse opinions and dialogue.
The backdrop to this escalation is a growing tension around issues of freedom of expression and student activism in Serbia.
Late in the evening, President Vučić met with Pavlović, where he reiterated that violence would no longer be tolerated.
He expressed pride in the resilience of the students and reiterated his administration's position against fascism, declaring, "Srbija će da pobedi."
As protests develop, the situation remains fluid, with students vowing to continue their efforts until their demands for justice and respect for their rights are addressed.
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