“We stand with our students”: University of Belgrade leadership condemns arrests, detentions

In a statement published on the University of Belgrade’s Instagram profile, the Board noted that such actions grossly violate the right of academic citizens to peaceful protest, particularly on the eve of another announced student rally in Belgrade.

“Dedicated to dialogue, the rule of law, and preserving the dignity of the academic community, we express our full solidarity with the students who have been persistently fighting for over seven months to have their legitimate demands met,” the statement reads.

The expanded Rector’s Board demands that government officials and relevant authorities cease their displays of force and arbitrary actions, and instead act in accordance with their legal powers, respecting the university’s autonomy, academic freedoms, and the right of citizens to protest.

The Board also appeals to all social actors to help ensure the upcoming rally in Belgrade proceeds without violence or incidents and concludes in a manner befitting students: civil, peaceful, and dignified.