Professor Biljana Stojkovic sent an appeal to students, telling them she “deeply apologizes for the sins of the academic community, which is silent.”

“Dear students, I stand before you not only as a professor and participant of the students’ protests of the 90s, but also as a citizen deeply concerned about the future of this country, which will be devastated by your departure – without youth, without wisdom. For a whole decade I have been writing you recommendations for universities around the world, for you to go to a better life, never to return. And for ten years I have been feeling immense pain because I understand you and I don’t dare keep you behind in a country in which morality and justice have been annulled, and violence and coarseness are for us an everyday occurrence. You deserve so much more than the life we created for you! I deeply apologize to you for the sin of the academic community, which is silent. I am ashamed,” the Info Office of the Together political party quoted Stojkovic as saying.

However, “I dare to ask you for help,” she added.

“Our country is at a crossroads, in a struggle against (Serbian President) Aleksandar Vucic’s autocratic, corrupt and violent regime. Your and our future, but also the future of the generations to come depend on what we do today. I call on each and every one of you to join the protests, not stand silent in the face of tyranny. Many of you have already recognized the moment of struggle and we meet in the streets of different cities. Take your fellow students, professors, activists and rebelling citizens by the hand, who share with you the vision of a better life and of a society of justice, equality and freedom. Take the streets, stand up together, and may your voice resound throughout our country,” she said.

Your energy, she added, “your passion, your youth have the power to start a wave of change.”

“Our rebellion is peaceful and responsible. Violence begets violence, and our mission is to create a society rooted in solidarity, empathy and understanding. May your passions be directed by wisdom and creativity. Pity the people who are blackmailed, scared and driven to regime rallies. Don’t attack them, but help them open their eyes,” said Stojkovic.

“Remember, this battle is not only fought in the streets,” she told them.

“Arm yourselves with knowledge, question the society of injustice and violence, sharpen your minds and stand up to the narrative of lies and hypocrisy. Education is your and our strongest weapon in the quest for justice. The responsibility for the future in your own country has also fallen on your shoulders, for which I once again apologize to you on behalf of all previous generations and our mistakes. The time of apathy and resignation to fate is long gone. Embrace this historic moment. This is a fight for dreams of a beautiful country and a dignified life. Your voices will awaken the conscience of the people,” said Stojkovic.