Police chief: Officers in Novi Sad used minimal force

Ivkovic told B92 TV that each officer at the protest demonstrated “great patience and professionalism,” despite the fact that, as he said, the protest had not been officially reported. “The Internal Affairs Ministry showed exceptional professionalism. Our goal was to ensure the protest went smoothly and to take measures to protect vital facilities in Novi Sad, one of which is City Hall,” said the police chief.

He explained that the officers stationed at City Hall used “primarily dispersal devices with irritants” to direct their intervention exclusively toward individuals who attempted to violently enter the building.

Ivkovic said that if it hadn't been for the composed actions of the police officers inside City Hall, the damage would likely have been much greater.

A protest was held in the northern city of Novi Sad on Tuesday over the tragic November 1 accident when a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad main railway station collapsed, killing 14 people and severely injuring another three.