Students in Serbia demonstrate against university pressure following the tragedy at the railway station
Thousands of activists from all over Serbia participated in student protests in the southwest of the country on Sunday, demonstrating against what they characterize as governmental pressure on state universities.
The demonstration, which is part of a broader movement addressing political interference in higher education, marked the first of its kind in Novi Pazar, a town predominantly inhabited by Bosniak Muslims.
This is one of several protests held following the tragic collapse of a railway station roof last year in the northern city of Novi Sad, resulting in the loss of 16 lives.
Students from Novi Pazar have gained national recognition after trekking for days to participate in mass protests in Novi Sad, commemorating the first anniversary of the roof collapse on November 1.
The university administration has reportedly revoked regular student status for individuals who were absent due to protests and has dismissed numerous lecturers.
“I arrived to show my support for the students of Novi Pazar,” stated Momcilo Zelenbaba, who journeyed from the town of Jagodina, located 190 km (120 miles) north of Novi Pazar. “I arrived due to the fact that 200 students have lost their status and 30 professors have lost their jobs.”
Protesters are calling for the resignation of the university’s managing board and the election of a new rector.
“Today, we gather to convey a message to Serbia that we are committed to advocating for interim management and the preservation of our university,” stated Dzenana Ahmetovic, a protester. “This is a matter that affects us all, not just Novi Pazar.”
During the day-long protest, attendees held a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the roof collapse. They waved flags that symbolized their towns and universities, whistled, and chanted their iconic slogan: “Pump up!”
The protest movement, spearheaded by students, academics, and opposition figures, charges Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and his populist nationalist party with promoting corruption, inadequate public services, nepotism, and curtailing media freedom. Vucic and his party refute the claims.
Novi Pazar is the youngest town in Serbia in terms of demographics, with 60% of its predominantly Muslim population being under the age of 30. Although it has a unique ethnic composition, there have been no reported conflicts with Orthodox Serb neighbors since the dissolution of Yugoslavia over thirty years ago.
