On January 22, 2026, Serbian police forcibly dispersed students protesting the dismissal of Professor Jelena Kleut from the University of Novi Sad.

Professor Kleut was denied a promotion on November 20, 2025, effectively ending her tenure at the university. Faculty, students, and media freedom organizations rallied behind her, accusing the university of retaliating against her support of the nationwide student anti-corruption movement launched in November 2024. After the rejection of her appeal in January, students and academic staff launched a blockade at the University of Novi Sad to demand Kleut’s reinstatement (see report).

At the invitation of the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, over 300 police officers in riot gear stormed the building to forcibly disperse the demonstrators. Video footage captures violence against protesters and students reported being struck by police with shields and fists. After approximately fifteen minutes, all protestors had left the building.

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://naszdziennik.pl/swiat/333137,serbia-policja-silowo-wypedzila-demonstrantow-z-uniwersytetu.html
https://vreme.com/drustvo/kako-je-policija-tukla-studente-u-novom-sadu/
https://www.rtvslo.si/capodistria/radio-capodistria/notizie/europa/sgombero-violento-all-universita-di-novi-sad/770924