Free University: Rector Madic abusing University in REM Council election process

According to media information, the Universities of Novi Sad and Pristina, the University of Defense, the University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, and University MB have nominated journalist and editor of Politika daily Bojan Bilbija, and Nis journalist from the pro-government NGO organization PROUNS, Milan Petkovic.

“We consider these nominations unacceptable and deeply compromising to the integrity of REM, as well as to the reputation of the University of Novi Sad. Petkovic comes from an organization that is used to exert political influence under the guise of professional association. Bilbija, on the other hand, has repeatedly violated journalistic codes – by spreading disinformation, hate speech, and participating in politically motivated campaigns in pro-government media,” said Free University.

They expressed strong opposition to the way the University of Novi Sad was involved in the process of nominating REM Council members, as well as to the candidates who emerged from this process.

“Even more alarming than the nominations is the illegitimacy of the procedures in which they were proposed, as the proposal was obviously made without any insight or participation from the academic community of the University of Novi Sad. No member institution of the University was consulted, nor was the University Council or Senate convened,” Free University said.

They added that this is just more proof of the “privatization” of the Novi Sad University by Rector Dejan Madic, who “continues to present himself as rector, even though all 17 member institutions of the University have voted no confidence in him.”