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Novi Sad activists protest detention with road blockade
๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ธ Serbia /Culture & Society

Novi Sad activists protest detention with road blockade

From N1 Serbia · (15m ago) Serbian Critical tone

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Local community assemblies in Novi Sad blocked a major intersection for 20 minutes in solidarity with two arrested activists.
  • The activists were arrested following searches of their homes and offices; some have since been released, but a court upheld a 30-day detention order for others.
  • Protesters vowed to continue daily road blockades, extending the protest duration by one minute each day until the activists are freed.

In Novi Sad, the local community has taken to the streets to voice their strong opposition to the detention of activists. The recent 20-minute blockade of a central intersection, a symbolic gesture for each day the two activists have spent in jail, demonstrates the community's unwavering support.

The "Students Win" banner and the chanting of "Pumpaj," a slogan from past student protests, highlight the connection between current grievances and a history of activism. The arrests, which followed searches of homes and offices, have clearly galvanized public opinion against what many perceive as an unjust crackdown.

The decision by the Novi Sad Basic Court to uphold the 30-day detention order has only fueled the determination of the local community assemblies. Their commitment to daily road blockades, with each protest lasting a minute longer than the last, signals a significant escalation of their efforts. This sustained action underscores the deep-seated desire for the release of their fellow activists and a broader call for justice.

Pumpaj (pump it)

โ€” ProtestersChanted during the road blockade, referencing a slogan from past student protests.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.