Students at the Filozofski fakultet in Novi Sad, Serbia, engaged in a protest today, blocking the faculty building in response to the dismissal of Professor Jelana Kleut. The situation escalated when members of the Serbian Police forcibly removed all individuals from the premises, resulting in reports of violence and injuries.
According to local media, the intervention involved both the Interventna policija and the Zandarmerija, who deployed full riot gear and established a cordon outside the faculty. A reporter from N1 Serbia detailed that significant force was used during the clear-out, with one student reportedly sustaining a broken nose. Video footage circulating on social media depicts police using shields and batons against the assembled students.
Students had been warned earlier to evacuate the building. A witness stated, “All students and professors were removed from the Filozofski fakultet; only the administration and police remained.” This incident follows a protest on January 17, 2026, in which students rallied under the banner “What Does Victory Mean?” at Trg Slobode in Novi Sad. The protest aimed to prepare for impending extraordinary parliamentary elections and the associated campaign.
Students Signal New Phase in Movement
The student body has announced that this protest marks the beginning of a new phase in their movement. During the demonstration, they outlined key components of their electoral program, which include calls for lustration and a Law on the Origin of Property. Reports from various Serbian media indicate that the authorities have intensified repressive measures in response to the students presenting their program ideas.
The ongoing clashes at the university highlight a broader pattern of police action against student activism in Serbia. As the situation unfolds, the impact on both the academic environment and the political landscape remains to be seen. Students are determined to continue advocating for their rights and influencing the upcoming elections through their actions and proposed reforms.
