Pyrotechnics, syringes, needles, gas masks found in Rectorate buidling - prosecutor

BELGRADE - As part of a preliminary investigation aimed at determining safety omissions at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade following the death of a 25-year-old girl at the faculty building, pyrotechnics, sprays, syringes, needles, cannulas, infusion sets, megaphones, radio stations, walkie-talkies, military gas masks and numerous other items that do not belong in an academic environment have been found in the adjacent University of Belgrade Rectorate building, Zorica Scekic, public prosecutor at the Special Anti-Corruption Department of the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade, said on Wednesday.

In cooperation with police, the Anti-Corruption Department is carrying out a preliminary investigation to determine omissions regarding the safety of students and employees at the faculty, the introduction of pyrotechnical devices into the faculty building and their ignition on the premises and the girl's death in the evening of March 26, as well as to determine any other irregularities related to those events.

In a statement to Tanjug, Scekic said numerous investigative activities, including a police search of the Rectorate building on Tuesday on orders from the Higher Court of Belgrade, had been carried out to date to obtain information and evidence.

Students who have been engaging in blockades called a protest over the entry of Criminal Police Directorate personnel into the building.

Marred by incidents and attacks on police, the gathering ended late on Tuesday after an address by Rector Vladan Djokic.

Speaking from the balcony of the Rectorate building, Djokic said the police had entered without prior notice or clear legal explanation, violating the autonomy of the University, the oldest educational institution in Serbia.