Protests organized by the movement known as the 'Rebellious University' are ongoing in Belgrade, as students and faculty members demonstrate outside the Serbian government building, insisting they will continue their sit-in until their demands are met.

The protesters are calling for the dissolution of the working group responsible for drafting a new Law on Higher Education, branded by critics as politically motivated and lacking expertise.

Furthermore, they are urging the government to swiftly approve budget allocations for the enrollment of a new generation of students.

Tensions flared briefly when an individual attempted to provoke the crowd, leading to intervention by security personnel, preventing further escalation.

Traffic police are present to manage the situation, and several members of a special intervention unit have been deployed near the protest site.

Metal barriers have been erected at the intersection of Kneza Miloša and Nemanjina streets to control access, as demonstrators set up tents vowing that their protest will not be limited to a single day or night.

Among those speaking at the protest was Professor Filip Ejdus from the Faculty of Political Sciences, who expressed grave concerns about the current direction of the government's approach to higher education.

He stated that faculties find themselves not just at a crossroads but potentially at the brink of collapse, with the autonomy of the university under severe threat.

Ejdus emphasized that defending university autonomy equates to defending the fundamental interests of society and the state.

Meanwhile, Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, reported on a constructive dialogue with Prime Minister Đuro Macut regarding the ongoing issues.

Following their fourth meeting, Đokić commented on the Prime Minister's understanding of the demands presented, which are fundamentally tied to the interests of the academic community.

Issues discussed included the overdue material costs for faculties since late April, the disbandment of the working group drafting the new higher education law, enrollment quotas for new students, and the retraction of a regulation concerning faculty engagement.

Although no mutual agreement has yet been reached, both parties expressed hope for a collaborative resolution.

No further meetings have currently been scheduled, but discussions are ongoing.