Nis citizens call for fierce campaign against violence

NIS - Citizens staged a protest at the Nis central square demanding that the authorities, educational institutions and the media launch a fierce campaign against violence, and they also called on politicians to maintain a responsible attitude.

The protest was staged over the murder of medical student Vuk Stojiljkovic, 22, who was stabbed in front of a cafe near the saint Sava park in Nis on February 10.

The Nis police arrested Dimitrije Stevanovic, 20, who is suspected of attacking the victim with a knife after a short argument and inflicting four wounds to his neck, lungs and stomach which proved fatal for Stojiljkovic.

Nis citizens launched spontaneous protests at the site of the murder on the very same day, where they lit candles in Stojiljkovic's honour, and organised mass protests against street violence ensued soon thereon.

On February 14, a major gathering was organised in downtown Nis which gathered around 10,000 people who demanded that the truth about the incident be established as soon ass possible and that the safety level in the city be raised.

At the latest protest, participants underscored that the government has to take part in tackling the cause and not just the consequences of delinquent behaviour among the youth and they also called on the media to launch a fierce fight for a change in the system of values.

“Citizens want a society where the politician would be responsible, police officer would be honest and where everyone would be rewarded or penalised for their actions in keeping with the law,” protesters said.

Serbian Ombudsman Sasa Jankovic addressed the crowd and warned that the government and the society are 'poisoned by violence'. He called on the authorities...