editor in chief of the media portal „Pravo u centar“ –
editor of the digital magazine rEUconnecting – REUC
Police Violence Against Professor Milinkov in Novi Sad: „My Dignity Was Violated, Not Just My Body“
On Monday, in front of the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education in Novi Sad, an incident occurred that has disturbed the public. Professor Smiljana Milinkov, head of the Department of Media Studies at the Faculty of Philosophy, told the portal Pravo u centar that she experienced physical violence by police officers while standing peacefully with students in support of their blockade of the faculty.
The blockade followed after students expressed fears of a possible violent removal. After an unsuccessful attempt by Dean Patrik Drid to enter the building, the police were called. According to Milinkov’s testimony, the situation escalated when members of the intervention unit and gendarmerie appeared. „I stood with raised hands between the students and the police officer. Looking me directly in the eyes, he literally threw me to the ground. There was no severe physical injury, but there was serious violation of dignity,“ Milinkov stated. She added that pepper spray and physical force were then used against those gathered—this included blows with batons and shields, causing injuries to several individuals.
Medical assistance was provided by healthcare workers and students from the Medical Faculty, and the most critical moments were immediately after the use of force. The police were unable to enter the building and withdrew after some time.
„The most important question remains today – who issued the order for the use of force against peacefully gathered citizens and students? No one has answered that, and the fear that such brutality might happen again persists.“
Speaking about the role of the media, Milinkov emphasizes that consistent and professional reporting in past years might have prevented the escalation of the current societal crisis.
„Media have the task of being society’s corrective, pointing out anomalies and defending public interest. Thanks to responsible journalists, the student protests have been ongoing for five months, and an increasing number of citizens are realizing that change is indeed possible,“ said Milinkov.
This incident once again raises the important question of the safety and status not only of citizens but also of media workers in Serbia. Journalists and professors of media studies, who often stand on the front lines defending freedom of speech and expression, are increasingly under pressure—both institutional and physical. In a society where freedom of the press is the foundation of democracy, such events must serve as an alarm and a call for accountability.
Interview was published at this link.
