Natalija Jovanović, the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Niš, was assaulted with a knife today during a gathering of students and community members ahead of a scheduled protest in that Serbian city.

The police reported the arrest of SC (69) from Niš, who is set to be detained for up to 48 hours.

Natalija was discharged from the hospital after being treated at the Emergency Center for a hand injury.

“I experienced tremendous stress; it’s terrifying to think that people like this can still act without consequences. There should be no need for escalating tensions like this. I specifically hold one person responsible for inciting this violence, and that is the president of this country,” she stated, as reported by N1.

Witnesses described how SC first threw a can at Dean Jovanović in front of the Faculty of Law in Niš, before brandishing a knife and injuring her palm as the dean attempted to defend herself.

The assailant also hurled insults, accusing the dean of having “seduced her daughter into joining the students.”

Students present quickly subdued the attacker, preventing any further serious injuries.

N1 shared video footage from the scene, showing the aftermath of the attack, during which the crowd disarmed the woman and awaited police intervention.

“NJ was admitted to the Niš University Clinical Center around 11 am with a laceration on her right hand. The injury was minor and has been treated,” said a statement from the facility.

Natalija Jovanović’s spouse mentioned that she remained in the Emergency Center, not due to her injury, but because of rising blood pressure concerns.

He informed the Beta news agency that his wife had recently sought emergency treatment for high blood pressure following a previous verbal assault by another woman during a protest.

He alleged that “(Serbian President Aleksandar) Vučić’s signature is behind this attack,” suggesting that she had been targeted by the president as a leading figure against his regime in Niš.

It’s worth noting that Dean Natalija Jovanović had previously been subjected to physical and verbal abuse in February. She was among the first deans to openly support her students who staged a six-hour blockade of the University of Niš, later announcing a faculty blockade. According to media reports, she has faced harassment from regime-affiliated outlets, government officials, and the Serbian President from the onset.

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