As the year 2024 comes to a close, Serbian society finds itself grappling with an unsettling reality—one marked by a seemingly endless series of crises, tragedies, and political upheaval. Speaking to KoSSev, university professor Oliver Tošković offered a sobering reflection:
„Just as our society is divided, so are my impressions of this year. It began like any other, but soon became overwhelmed by numerous scandals. Just when we thought we had emerged from the horrors of 2023—marked by terrible losses—we entered new tragedies this year, which continued to cast a shadow over us.“
In a conversation at the National Theatre in Belgrade, following the award ceremony for the prestigious „Knight of the Profession“ accolade presented by the League of Experts Serbia (LEX), Tošković reflected on a year he described as being overwhelmed by scandals „too numerous to count.“
These culminated in the tragic collapse of the newly renovated awning at Novi Sad Railway Station on November 1, a disaster that claimed 15 lives—mostly young people and children—and left two others severely injured.
From Grief to Protest
The tragedy in Novi Sad became a tipping point, sparking mass protests across Serbia. University campuses were at the forefront of the movement, with students and faculty alike demanding accountability.
The protests were initially triggered by an incident on December 2, when students from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade were attacked while holding a 15-minute vigil for the victims of the railway station collapse.
What began as isolated demonstrations quickly grew into a nationwide movement, with more than 50 faculties joining the protests. High schools and other institutions also voiced their support, alongside numerous organizations and individuals both in Serbia and abroad.
The students’ demands include the publication of all documentation related to the Novi Sad awning reconstruction, criminal accountability for those responsible, and an end to political repression and violence.
„On one hand, it is horrifying that this has become our new normal—counting years by the scandals and tragedies that occur,“ said Tošković.
„But on the other hand, the state of the universities gives us hope. Students’ unity and their determination to make a change have spread across nearly all universities in Serbia. The solidarity between students and faculty in their motives, stances, and demands is truly inspiring.“
Support for students in Serbia has largely come from a group of professors and teaching assistants, alongside students from the University of Pristina, through a petition that has already garnered over 360 signatures from academics.
The Silent End of a 20-Year Academic Career
For Professor Tošković, 2024 also marked the end of his two-decade tenure at the University of Pristina with a temporary seat in North Mitrovica.
His departure was unceremoniously finalized, as he describes it, „quietly swept under the rug.“
The official explanation was a lack of funds for „third-party“ professors employed on a part-time basis.
However, Tošković revealed that the issue seems uniquely targeted at him.
„I am the only ‘third-party’ professor who was left without a position. It’s clear that the supposed funding shortfall applies only to me,“ he said, adding that his colleagues at the Department of Psychology fought to retain his position until the very end.
Despite these challenges, Tošković remains proud of his time at the university and the support he received from his colleagues.
He also hinted at unofficial reasons for his dismissal, possibly linked to his frequent public criticism of the government’s treatment of its citizens.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
