**Violence Erupts in Novi Sad as Police Clash with Students and Citizens**
A disturbing scene unfolded outside the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Novi Sad, Serbia, on Monday morning. As students and citizens continued to block the entrance to protest against the dean’s plans to attend a meeting, police were instructed to take action.
**Police Use Force Against Protesters**
When officers attempted to approach the building, they were met with a human chain of protesters who refused to let them pass. Despite this, gendarmerie troopers managed to break through using pepper spray to disperse the crowd. Witnesses reported that several people were injured during the incident, including a journalist and Katarina, a student who had previously taken part in a cycling protest to Strasbourg.
**Dean Attempts to Enter Faculty**
As tensions escalated, Dean Patrik Drid attempted to enter the faculty building through a rear entrance accompanied by riot police. However, protesters countered by throwing water at him and pelted police officers with eggs. The situation continued to deteriorate as riot police and gendarmerie troopers took turns attacking citizens from both sides of the building.
**Protesters Refuse to Back Down**
Despite the violence, protesters remained resolute in their opposition to the dean’s plans. Representatives of student plenaries have called on more Novi Sad residents to join the protest, which has drawn a large number of citizens to the scene. Protesters chanted slogans at police, including “Lower your shields,” “Murderers,” and “You’re going to hell.”
**Background to the Conflict**
This latest incident is part of a longer-standing dispute between students and Dean Drid. Last Friday, Drid entered the building accompanied by unidentified individuals and tore down student protest signs from the main entrance. Students responded by telling him that they could make more signs than he could tear down. The dean claimed that most students want to take their exams and accused the “blockade group” of preventing him from entering the faculty.
**Analysis**
The violent confrontation between police, protesters, and the dean is a stark reminder of the deep-seated tensions within Serbian society. As the country grapples with issues of governance, democracy, and civil liberties, incidents like these risk exacerbating existing divisions. The response of the authorities to peaceful protests raises questions about their commitment to protecting citizens’ rights.
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