Four blockaders arrested for chaos in Novi Pazar; Police Director: Several police officers were injured

"The management of the University of Novi Pazar made a decision to enter the premises of the faculty and check the situation because they had reports regarding the functioning of the system and that there may be problems that have other consequences," he said.

The police director continued:

"The police were informed and had forces that were there to help if there was violence. In the morning hours there were no problems, they screamed and shouted, but did not commit violence. Their attention was drawn several times not to commit violence. The number of people increased, the number changed around 60-90-150-200. Among the students or people who presented themselves as students, other people also interfered. They tried to violently enter the University. They started shooting at the police cordon and the University's facilities".

"In this violence, which continued in several waves, several police officers were injured, some of them seriously. There were no injured citizens. After the arrival of the gendarmerie, the violence stopped. They smashed all the windows in a part of the University. The police warned them that they would have to use units to calm the situation. However, the situation calmed down and there was no violence," he said.

"There were also chants directed at the state leadership, members of the police and others. We must respect the state and the institutions and the police. We live in this state. I think that anyone is aware that the police are under attack. It is clear that the police act with restraint in order to preserve public order, peace and security," said Vasiljević.

"The people who did this today do not think well of Novi Pazar. I strongly condemn the behavior of the individuals who targeted the police. The Serbian police will not allow this and will do their job and all those who participated in the riots will be brought to justice. I call on everyone to respect the laws and regulations of this country," says the police director.

"There are no blockades of highways, bridges, infrastructure facilities. Months ago, we showed that the police do a tolerant job. The police ensure that those 16 minutes of silence are there, so that they express or say something. And then they say - the police rudely moved people sitting on the highway. Anyone who tries to attack a police officer will be sanctioned, we will maintain stable order and peace," he added.