On September 5, 2025, Serbian police fired tear gas and stun grenades on a group of protestors gathered at Novi Sad State University (UNS).

The students were protesting as part of the nationwide “Stop, Serbia” anti-corruption movement, which began in late November 2024 after the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad railway canopy. In early September 2025, UNS university groups called for a demonstration denouncing the government and advocating for a snap election, hoping to oust the administration of Aleksandar Vučić. Thousands gathered on the campus of UNS and began to walk toward the Faculty of Philosophy, chanting “Vučić leave.” Police and protesters clashed. Students threw bottles and flares; police, already on campus to monitor the protest, fired tear gas and stun grenades. Both police and protestors reported injuries.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during a student protest. While state authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/5/serbian-police-fires-teargas-on-protesters-demanding-end-to-vucic-rule
https://www.abc.com.py/internacionales/2025/09/05/la-policia-serbia-dispersa-con-gas-y-granadas-aturdidoras-una-marcha-antigubernamental/
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/05/europe/serbian-police-teargas-protesters-latam-intl