**Serbian Minister Defends Police Crackdown on Student Protest**
A dramatic scene unfolded at the Novi Sad University Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Serbia, where police were called in to quell a student protest. The situation escalated when protesters refused to leave, leading to a confrontation with law enforcement.
According to Serbian Internal Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic, the police did not attack anyone, but rather did their job to restore order. “Expect a response when someone attacks the police,” he told reporters. This statement suggests that Dacic believes the police had no choice but to intervene, as they were being targeted by protesters.
**The Context**
Under Serbian law, police cannot enter university campuses unless invited by the dean or if there is an imminent threat to life. However, in this case, Faculty Dean Patrik Drid called in the police after withdrawing his support for the student protest. This move has sparked controversy among students and their supporters, who feel that the authorities are suppressing their right to protest.
**The Minister’s Account**
Dacic claimed that Dean Drid was injured during the protest, and that protesters even attacked an ambulance that had arrived to take him to hospital. Several protesters were also injured when the police intervened with batons. The minister described the scene as “riotous,” with barricades set up inside the building and objects thrown at the police.
**Analysis**
The situation in Novi Sad has raised questions about freedom of speech and assembly in Serbia. While the government may argue that the police were simply doing their job, critics see this as an attempt to silence dissenting voices. The use of force by the police has also sparked concerns about excessive policing and the treatment of protesters.
As tensions between students and authorities continue to rise, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold. One thing is certain: the events in Novi Sad have put a spotlight on Serbia’s approach to student protests and freedom of expression.
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