Belgrade University Rector Vladan Djokic said on Tuesday that the university gave clear support to the protesting students whose demands he feels are justified. Pročitaj više

Speaking at a meeting of the parliamentary Education Committee which was chaired by Speaker Ana Brnabic, Djokic said the student demands should be discussed and offered to mediate in determing which demands have been met and which have not.

Speaking before him, Brnabic warned the students that they could lose their scholarships and that the university schools could face financial problems.

The Rector said that the clear support for the students came from the expanded University Collegium. “This means that the University of Belgrade stands squarely with the students,” he said adding that the vast majority of professors stands by their students.

According to him, the justified demands of the students are more important than classes to make up for what they lost, budget status, student housing. He said the colleges and schools have already drafted revised teaching plans for when the blockades end.

“The faculties are prepared to hold classes over the summer and on weekends along with the exams that have not been held,” Djokic said, responding to Brnabic’s threats.

“I have no mandate to speak on behalf of the students but if the will is there we can initiate some form of dialogue to meet their demands,” he said.

The student demands are focused on accountability for the deaths of 15 people in the collapse of a concrete awning at the recently reconstructed Novi Sad Railway Station on November 1 and assaults on students during their protests.