Support from Novi Pazar for students irritates Vučić’s regime

Thousands of citizens from across Serbia gathered in Novi Pazar to support students of the State University (DUNP) in a massive protest held under the slogan “Either Us or Them.”

The 12-hour demonstration marked one of the high points of a student movement that has lasted nearly a year, demanding the removal of the current university leadership, the reinstatement of more than 200 expelled students, and the return to work of around 30 professors who were dismissed.

The protest began at 11 a.m. in front of the university building, with food stands and flags, while the main program started at 5 p.m. with speeches by professors and students. In the evening, DUNP students delivered their final messages “loud and clear.” The atmosphere remained peaceful, with strong support from local residents and visitors, Nova reported.

The conflict dates back to January 2025, when DUNP entered a physical blockade, becoming the only university in Serbia still operating under such conditions. Students accuse the university leadership, including Rector Zane Dolićanin, of political interference, dismissing professors deemed “disloyal” to the regime, shutting down departments, and exerting institutional pressure as retaliation for participation in protests.

President Aleksandar Vučić reacted with marked irony, calling the protest “extremely small in number and meaningless,” but “successful in a touristic sense,” claiming it boosted business for bakeries and burek shops due to visitors from outside the city.

The remarks, made during a joint appearance with the Slovak president, were widely interpreted as an attempt to downplay and ridicule the protest, highlighting the regime’s irritation with this new wave of solidarity.

Vučić’s government, often described as exercising authoritarian control over educational institutions and accused of corruption and divide-and-rule tactics along ethnic, religious, or regional lines, views Novi Pazar as a particular threat.

Analysts note that this civic unity, which transcends imposed divisions, undermines the regime’s narrative and reveals a “different face of Serbia.” Vučić has previously threatened to cut funding to the city and the university, while also criticizing local coalition partners, such as Rasim Ljajić, for their silence.

Initially sparked by the tragedy in Novi Sad, the student protests have evolved into a broader movement against political interference in education and systemic injustice.

Novi Pazar has emerged as a symbol of unified resistance, sending a clear message that old divisions no longer work and that the regime is losing ground in the face of this new bloc of solidarity.

Students have vowed to continue protests until their demands are met.