International academic community stands with students, professors in Serbia

The targets were “peaceful demonstrators, including students and professors,” reads the appeal signed by 210 academics from across the globe, including Nobel Prize winners from the United States, the European Union, Great Britain, Brazil, and South Africa. Among them are Thomas Piketty, Slavoj Zizek, Nancy Fraser, Annie Ernaux, Etienne Balibar, and Judith Butler.

“The reports of an unexplained, powerful sonic disturbance causing mass panic and stampede-like movements among the crowd raise alarming questions about the tactics employed against peaceful citizens exercising their fundamental rights. This illegal deliberate use of means designed to incite fear, confusion, and disorder in a public gathering represents a grave violation of human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, the right to physical integrity, and ultimately, the right to life,” the appeal said.

The academics said that the student protests emerged “as a response to the tragic collapse of a canopy (at Novi Sad Train Station) that claimed 15 lives, a disaster that epitomizes the consequences of systemic corruption, institutional failure and lack of accountability.”

“Their (the students’) demand for the rule of law and functional institutions is not only justified but essential for preventing future tragedies and ensuring a just and responsible governance system,” they emphasized.

In addition to these concerning events, they also said they “strongly condemn the intimidation and smear campaign directed at the rector of the University of Belgrade.”

“The targeted attacks against the rector, who has stood in defense of academic integrity and students’ rights, have escalated into an open campaign led by pro-regime public figures calling for his arrest. This blatant attempt at intimidation represents a broader effort to silence critical voices within higher education and undermine the autonomy of academic institutions,” reads the appeal.

The signatories “call upon the Serbian authorities to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into the events of the protest, to hold accountable those responsible for the use of unlawful means against demonstrators, and to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and all citizens who engage in peaceful expression.”

“We stand in solidarity with our colleagues and students in Serbia and urge universities, research institutions, and academic networks worldwide to join us in condemning this act and reaffirming our shared commitment to basic human rights,” the academics said.