Student Acquitted in Assault Case Against Dean

A student from Novi Sad's Faculty of Technical Sciences has been acquitted in a first-instance ruling concerning an alleged physical assault on the dean of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports. Veljko Petrović, the student, stated that the court delivered a verdict of acquittal in the proceedings against him.

Petrović explained that the case stemmed from an incident on April 28, 2025, outside the Faculty of Physical Education and Sports in Novi Sad. He was accused of physically assaulting Dean Patrik Drid. Despite the prosecutor seeking a 12-month house arrest sentence and a fine of 100,000 dinars for Drid, the court ruled in favor of Petrović.

Recalling media coverage, Petrović noted that "regime media" had portrayed him as an attacker and organizer of the assault on Dean Drid, leading to his subsequent detention. "I am happy that justice, at least in this case, has prevailed," he told N1. "The past months have been extremely difficult, and I believe they were difficult for many citizens as well."

While acknowledging that this is a first-instance decision, Petrović expressed hope that it will be final. He emphasized the importance of unity in combating injustice, both in the courts and society at large, for the sake of a better Serbia. He also extended his gratitude to everyone who supported him during this challenging period.