BIG NAMES ON THE LIST: World academics and Nobel laureates demand investigation into the use of sound cannon at the protest in Belgrade!

More than 1,000 professors from around the world, including some of the most famous names in the global academic community, have supported their colleagues and students in Serbia, expressing deep concern about violent incidents during the March 15 protest in Belgrade, including “exposure to non-lethal weapons that resulted in injuries and pain”.

See ON THIS LINK who has signed the appeal for aid to Serbian students and professors.

We are transmitting their appeal in its entirety:

“We express our deepest concern about the violent incidents during student protests in Belgrade, where peaceful demonstrators, including students and professors, were exposed to non-lethal means, resulting in injuries and severe distress.

Reports of an unexplained, powerful sound disturbance that caused mass panic and stampede among those gathered raise alarming questions about the tactics used against peaceful citizens exercising their basic rights. This unlawful and intentional use of means designed to cause fear, confusion, and chaos at a public gathering constitutes a serious violation of human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, the right to physical integrity, and, ultimately, the right to life.

Student protests erupted in response to the tragic collapse of a canopy, which claimed 15 lives – a disaster that illustrates the consequences of systemic corruption, institutional breakdown, and lack of accountability. Their demand for the rule of law and functional institutions is not only justified but also crucial for preventing future tragedies and ensuring a just and responsible system of governance.

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In addition to these disturbing events, we strongly condemn the intimidation and smear campaign directed against the rector of the University of Belgrade. The targeted attacks on the rector, who stood up for academic integrity and student rights, have escalated into an open campaign led by pro-regime public figures, calling for his arrest. This blatant attempt at intimidation is part of a broader effort to silence critical voices in higher education and undermine the autonomy of academic institutions.

We call on the Serbian authorities to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into the events during the protest, to bring to justice those responsible for the unlawful use of means against demonstrators, and to ensure the safety of students, academic staff, and all citizens who express themselves peacefully.

We stand in solidarity with our colleagues and students in Serbia and call on universities, research institutions, and academic networks around the world to join us in condemning these actions and reaffirming our shared commitment to fundamental human rights.”

The list currently includes more than 1,130 names from around the world, including Nobel laureates, from the USA to European Union countries and Great Britain, to Brazil and South Africa.

Among them are Nancy Fraser, Étienne Balibar, Judith Butler, as well as Thomas Piketty, one of the greatest economists of today and a professor at the École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS) and at the École d’économie de Paris (Paris School of Economics).

The appeal was also supported by philosophers Slavoj Žižek and Jacques Rancière.

The list includes the winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature, Annie Ernaux.