Several thousand students joined protests against government pressure on higher education in Serbia.
Local and international media report this, noting the coordination of actions from different regions of the country.
Activists from across Serbia took part in demonstrations in the southwestern part of the country, opposing what they call government pressure on public universities.
The scattered protests evolved into a broader movement against interference in the educational process. This became the first event of its scale in Novi Pazar, a city with a large share of young Muslim residents. The backdrop for the events was last year’s tragedy in Novi Sad, when the roof of the railway station collapsed, taking the lives of a significant number of people.
Students from Novi Pazar quickly became known nationwide when they joined demonstrations in Novi Sad, which marked the first anniversary of the tragedy at the station.
According to them, the university administration revoked full-time student status for those who were absent due to protests, and fired dozens of faculty members.
I came because 200 students lost their status, and 30 professors lost their jobs
The protesters’ demands and the response of the authorities
The participants demand the resignation of the university’s governing board and the election of a new rector.
Today we are here to send Serbia a message that we are fighting for temporary administration and the survival of our university
According to the activists, political pressure has affected many educational institutions across the country, not just in Novi Pazar.
Throughout the day, protesters honored the memory of the victims of the previous tragedy, waving the flags of their towns and universities, whistling and chanting the movement’s slogans.
The movement, led by students, researchers, and opposition representatives, accuses Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his populist nationalist party of corrupt practices, ineffective public services, cronyism, and restricting freedom of the press. Vučić and his party deny these allegations.
The unfolding events underscore calls for transparency and the protection of education in Serbia, and reflect the younger generation’s dissatisfaction with higher education policy.
Following the tragic events at the station, Serbia’s transport minister stepped down, which also became a topic of discussion among the protesters.
In summary: the protests highlight the need for transparency and protection of education in Serbia and reflect growing youth discontent with higher education policy.
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