Novi Sad students have issued a public apology to Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral for the outcry he received yesterday during his entry into the Serbian National Theatre (SNP) in Novi Sad, Nova.rs reports.
According to the statement, at the moment when several hundred members of the Police Intervention Unit (IJP) surrounded the citizens, the atmosphere was tense and marked by fear, which led to chaos. In such circumstances, a certain group of citizens reacted negatively to the group of people entering the SNP, among whom was Joanikije.
"We would like to offer an apology to His Eminence. We believe that this was an unintentional act resulting from confusion," the statement said, reported Nova.rs.
It is recalled that Metropolitan Joanikije is one of six bishops who publicly supported the students and distanced themselves from the letter from Metropolitan David of Kruševac, in which the students were called "Serbian Ustashas and new demons."
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It is also emphasized that Joanikije was one of the key figures during the social turmoil in Montenegro, whose role was recognized as part of a broader movement that led to the overthrow of the then autocratic regime in 2020.
The statement emphasizes that the signatories do not give up their critical attitude towards phenomena and individuals they consider deserving of condemnation, but at the same time consider it their duty to be precise and fair in expressing their views.
"We express regret that the outcry was directed at Metropolitan Joanikije, who stood by the students at key moments and supported our struggle," the statement concluded.
The "Index is for Students" protest ended last night at around 22pm in Novi Sad, Serbia, and during the protest at least three people were injured when they were physically attacked by supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
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The attack took place in front of the Serbian National Theater (SNP), where a ceremonial academy was held last night to mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Matica Srpska.
The reason for the protest was the announcement that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić would speak at a ceremonial academy marking the 200th anniversary of the founding of Matica Srpska yesterday at 20 p.m.
Vučić then said that he would not come to Novi Sad, "due to a trip to India," and his envoy, former Serbian Prime Minister and former Mayor of Novi Sad Miloš Vučević, spoke instead.
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Students and the Novi Sad Citizens' Associations have announced that they are not giving up on the protest, even though Vučić is not coming to Novi Sad.
The rally was called "Indeks is for Students", an allusion to Vučić's recent unannounced and very brief visit to Novi Sad, when he ate an Indeks sandwich at a fast food kiosk, visited the Homeland Fair for ten minutes, and then left the city.
It was his first visit to Novi Sad after the tragedy of November 1, 2024, and his arrival was secured by a strong police force.
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