The court in Novi Sad has once again postponed the main trial against four activists of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) accused of brutally attacking students at the end of January. The four are charged with beating several students on the night between January 27 and 28, causing them serious bodily injuries. The trial was postponed due to the defense’s request to disqualify the presiding judges, citing alleged bias because the judges supposedly showed support for the students and succumbed to public pressure. The defense even requested that the case be taken over by the Supreme Court in Belgrade.
The attack took place in front of the Petefi Šandor elementary school, where the attackers got out of a red Chevrolet and assaulted the students. Among the victims is a student named Ana, who recounted being hit with baseball bats, having her jaw broken in three places, and being asked for her ID while lying on the ground. Another student, Konstantin, described being knocked down and punched in the head while trying to protect himself. Emergency services arrived only after 40 minutes, with first aid provided by medical faculty students.
All four accused deny the charges. Three claim they were not at the scene, while one admitted being present but not participating in the attack. Their lawyers challenged the legality of the identification process, while the prosecutor argued that the identification was formal and necessary.
This case has attracted significant public attention, with students organizing blockades and protests in support of the victims. The next hearing is scheduled for July 15, when it will be decided whether the case will be moved to Belgrade.
If you think justice is slow or the powerful get away, you’re not alone. This case casts a shadow over the judicial system and raises the question: who does the court serve? What do you think? Drop a comment, maybe together we can shed light on this dark story!
