Three University of Novi Sad professors detained

“Two colleagues who served as marshals at yesterday’s civic assembly blockades were detained on charges of disturbing public order and peace. One colleague was initially called in as a witness yesterday, only to become a defendant after more than two hours of testimony because he defended citizens at the blockade when they were attacked by a violent individual. The second colleague was detained this morning, though he also doesn’t know why,” the Academic Plenum said.

The dean of the University of Novi Sad Faculty of Medicine was also detained on Wednesday morning, the Academic Plenum added, with tabloids immediately reporting that it was due to higher salaries paid at the faculty.

“We believe the timing of her detention is no coincidence, as the Faculty of Medicine is the only one on strike at the University of Novi Sad, and the dean has supported the student demands from the very beginning,” said the Academic Plenum.

The Academic Plenum said it believes that all the arrests are aimed at intimidating university professors and all rebelling citizens of Serbia. However, the group added that they are confident this will not frighten professors but rather strengthen their support for the students’ legitimate demands.