**Police Clash with Students at Nis University School of Medicine**
A tense situation unfolded at the Nis University School of Medicine in Serbia yesterday, as police entered the building to question protesting students. According to eyewitnesses, the police were ordered to the school by prosecutors after professors and staff were unable to gain entry.
The incident began when a group of students took to the streets to protest, gathering outside the university’s main entrance. The crowd grew in size, with supporters joining the students to demonstrate their solidarity. However, things took a turn for the worse when police arrived at the scene, clad in plain clothes and sporting stern expressions.
**A Violation of University Autonomy?**
Under Serbian law, universities enjoy a significant degree of autonomy. This means that, in most cases, the police are not allowed to enter university grounds without permission from the dean – unless an emergency situation arises. The decision by prosecutors to order police to enter the building has sparked concerns among academics and civil society groups about the erosion of this autonomy.
As tensions mounted outside the university, a group of students was ordered to report to the main police station for questioning. At least one professor joined them in their bid to clear up what they saw as a misunderstanding. The students’ families and supporters gathered outside the police station, awaiting news of the outcome of the interviews.
**A Growing Sense of Unease**
The incident at Nis University has sparked concerns about the increasing polarization of society in Serbia. As economic conditions continue to deteriorate, social tensions are rising – and it seems that even institutions like universities are not immune from the fallout.
“It’s becoming increasingly clear that the authorities are trying to exert more control over our lives,” said a spokesperson for the students’ union at Nis University. “We will not stand idly by while our rights are being eroded.”
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the already strained relationship between the government and civil society in Serbia.
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