The Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, has addressed an open letter to Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut, expressing serious concerns about government actions toward the academic community and announcing his refusal to attend a scheduled meeting at the Government building.
In his letter, Rector Đokić explained that he had received a request from the First Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade for urgent action related to a criminal complaint filed by Miloš Pavlović and others. The complaint concerns alleged violation of equality under Article 128, Paragraph 2 of the Serbian Criminal Code. Due to the urgency of this legal matter, Đokić stated he would be unable to attend the day’s meeting.
“This is the second criminal complaint filed against me in a short period,” Đokić wrote, noting that both were submitted by the same individuals but categorized under different legal grounds. He described the investigations as part of a coordinated campaign of systemic pressure aimed at destabilizing the University and preventing meaningful dialogue on resolving the country’s institutional crisis in higher education.
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Đokić criticized the government’s lack of commitment to resolving ongoing issues in the education sector, claiming that during initial talks it became evident that there was no political will to take necessary steps such as:
- Meeting students’ legitimate demands
- Withdrawing the unconstitutional Decree on university working standards
- Halting all media, inspection, financial, and institutional pressure on academic institutions
He emphasized that the University of Belgrade remains committed to a fair and institutional dialogue, and called on the government to reconvene talks next week. The proposed meeting would be hosted at one of the university’s faculties and include rectors, deans, and other key representatives of the academic community.
“Only through mutual respect and inclusive discussions can we begin to normalize the situation in higher education,” Đokić concluded.
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Source: N1, Foto: ATA Images