On Thursday morning, opposition MPs and councilors attempted to block the main entrance to the Novi Sad Police headquarters and publicly pose questions to police chief Goran Radonjic, but were violently pushed back by police who formed a cordon in front of the building.

In a forceful action lasting just 30 seconds, the police managed to push some thirty opposition lawmakers and council members away from the building entrance.

During the incident, several journalists reportedly began to fall, said N1’s reporter, who was attempting to convey the aggressiveness of the police action.

“The just swooped down on us,” said MP Marinika Tepic, adding that they had given three warnings beforehand. “We were standing normally the whole time, and they kept trying to push us out… This time, they weren’t considerate at all, they were very aggressive, they were literally kicking us,” she added.

Tepic explained that they had come to ask the chief about who was responsible for the beating of 74-year-old Ilija Kostic, who lost a testicle following police questioning. “We want to see the footage, we know it exists,“ said Tepic, questioning why no one has been suspended over the incident.

Stefan Babic, a city council member from the Go Change movement, added that they are now also calling for the police chief’s resignation, as it is clear he is unwilling to engage in dialogue. He also criticized police officers leading the force, accusing them of violating the law and prioritizing party interests over serving the citizens.

On Wednesday evening, two members of the Movement of Free Citizens were taken in for questioning. Srdjan Djuric and Mladen Cvijetic are accused of endangering public safety. Djuric was placed in 48-hour detention, while Cvijetic was released following the questioning.

Councilor Miran Pogacar said the incumbent police chief is a disgrace, not only to the officers under his command but to the entire city of Novi Sad. “In the future, no police chief should be a bully, a criminal, or collaborate with organized crime, because they will end up in prison. We will not stop,” he said.