Belgrade University Officials Call for Peace Amid Upcoming Student Protests
University rectorate emphasizes the importance of non-violence and criticizes government statements that risk inciting unrest.
The Expanded Rectorate of the University of Belgrade has issued a statement underscoring the significance of avoiding violence during upcoming student protests.
The statement condemned remarks from high-ranking government officials who have warned of potential unrest with unpredictable consequences.
The rectorate expressed that the desire to establish the rule of law in Serbia through peaceful means has become a guiding principle for both the academic community and many citizens supporting the students.
This support reflects a commitment to peaceful, emotional, critical, and creative expression rather than violence and aggression.
In anticipation of the protests, many faculty members, researchers, and staff members will participate in securing the activities planned by students.
The rectorate noted that a substantial number of colleagues would take on roles as stewards at public gatherings and provide oversight at faculty locations, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for public assembly.
The statement highlighted the challenging nature of ensuring safety at large-scale events, stressing that the responsibility for security cannot rest solely on the students.
The Expanded Rectorate conveyed hopes for a successful assembly, reaffirming its commitment to support the students' peaceful demonstrations.
Conversely, Ana Brnabić, President of the Serbian Assembly, accused the rector of the University of Belgrade, Vlad Đokić, of violating the constitution and laws of Serbia.
She claimed that he discriminated against students wishing to return to classes and infringed on media freedom and citizens' right to information.
Brnabić criticized Đokić and the expanded rectorate for allegedly yielding to 'totalitarian plenums,' asserting that this approach undermines the university's long-standing reputation as a center of resistance against totalitarianism.
She expressed concerns over statements made by the rectorate, accusing it of representing only the interests of the protesting students.
Brnabić specifically referenced Article 50 of the constitution regarding media freedom, accusing the rector of arbitrarily determining which media could engage with the university.
In response to public concerns about possible violence during the protests on March 15 in Belgrade, the rectorate reiterated calls for conflict avoidance.
Đokić quoted the expanded rectorate's statement multiple times, urging that proactive measures should be taken to prevent clashes instead of threatening them.
He emphasized that the entire academic community is appealing for a peaceful gathering, aligning with the students' vision of a dignified protest.
He reiterated support for the students, indicating that their nonviolent approach would be upheld until the end of their movement.
The situation surrounding the student protests signals a heightened level of engagement between the academic community and government authorities, reflective of ongoing tensions within Serbian society.
The statement condemned remarks from high-ranking government officials who have warned of potential unrest with unpredictable consequences.
The rectorate expressed that the desire to establish the rule of law in Serbia through peaceful means has become a guiding principle for both the academic community and many citizens supporting the students.
This support reflects a commitment to peaceful, emotional, critical, and creative expression rather than violence and aggression.
In anticipation of the protests, many faculty members, researchers, and staff members will participate in securing the activities planned by students.
The rectorate noted that a substantial number of colleagues would take on roles as stewards at public gatherings and provide oversight at faculty locations, emphasizing the need for a safe environment for public assembly.
The statement highlighted the challenging nature of ensuring safety at large-scale events, stressing that the responsibility for security cannot rest solely on the students.
The Expanded Rectorate conveyed hopes for a successful assembly, reaffirming its commitment to support the students' peaceful demonstrations.
Conversely, Ana Brnabić, President of the Serbian Assembly, accused the rector of the University of Belgrade, Vlad Đokić, of violating the constitution and laws of Serbia.
She claimed that he discriminated against students wishing to return to classes and infringed on media freedom and citizens' right to information.
Brnabić criticized Đokić and the expanded rectorate for allegedly yielding to 'totalitarian plenums,' asserting that this approach undermines the university's long-standing reputation as a center of resistance against totalitarianism.
She expressed concerns over statements made by the rectorate, accusing it of representing only the interests of the protesting students.
Brnabić specifically referenced Article 50 of the constitution regarding media freedom, accusing the rector of arbitrarily determining which media could engage with the university.
In response to public concerns about possible violence during the protests on March 15 in Belgrade, the rectorate reiterated calls for conflict avoidance.
Đokić quoted the expanded rectorate's statement multiple times, urging that proactive measures should be taken to prevent clashes instead of threatening them.
He emphasized that the entire academic community is appealing for a peaceful gathering, aligning with the students' vision of a dignified protest.
He reiterated support for the students, indicating that their nonviolent approach would be upheld until the end of their movement.
The situation surrounding the student protests signals a heightened level of engagement between the academic community and government authorities, reflective of ongoing tensions within Serbian society.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
