Novi Pazar Students Call for Protest as Trial Begins for Accused in Police Attack Case

Students at the State University in Novi Pazar have organized a call for public support and a protest outside the Basic Court on August 20th. The demonstration is timed to coincide with the preliminary hearing for a group of 11 individuals accused of attacking police officers on July 29th of the previous year.

In a message shared on Instagram, the students urged fellow citizens to stand in solidarity with the accused, emphasizing mutual support and protection. "We call on all free citizens to stand by their fellow citizens, those who were among the first to be there when it was most needed. Let's be there for each other. Let's protect each other," the students stated in their appeal.

The indictment details alleged acts of violence against police officers outside the university campus, including kicking, hitting with belts, and throwing objects like chairs, water bottles, and stones. During the investigation, three of the accused remained silent, while the others denied the charges, claiming provocation by the police and alleging that officers used pepper spray. The incident reportedly occurred after university management, accompanied by private security, entered the university building and removed students who were staging a blockade. This led to a gathering of citizens and confrontations with the police, who eventually withdrew, allowing students to re-enter.

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We call on all free citizens to stand by their fellow citizens, those who were among the first to be there when it was most needed. Let's be there for each other. Let's protect each other.