Belgrade University deans support students

Students have been blockading several colleges for days, demanding accountability for the deaths of 15 people in the fall of a canopy roof at Novi Sad Railway Station and other things.

“The University of Belgrade strongly supports students in their initial demands as self-aware, academic citizens, particularly highlighting our students' readiness to respond to events of public and social significance,” a statement said after a meeting of the Extended Rector’s Collegium.

It noted that the students clearly expressed concern for the state of society.

“The University stands in defense of students and colleagues who are confronted with unacceptable media insults, physical attacks, and threats, as well as inadmissible rhetoric directed at the academic community. We condemn any actions by those who violently provoke reactions from students, collaborators, and teachers, while simultaneously strongly supporting the manner in which the integrity of the academic community is preserved,” it added.

“We publicly appeal to all political players and the media to refrain from using student gatherings to achieve their goals, to respect the autonomy of the University, and the right of students to express their views,” the statement said.

It said that students will not be punished for protesting, preserving the integrity of the academic community, their critical thinking and their actions as a vital part of society. “We expect students not to interfere with the conduct of the administrative affairs of the Rectorate and all members of the University,” it added.

The statement demanded urgent action by the authorities to meet the students' initial requests.