The Rector of the University of Belgrade, Prof. Dr. Vladan Đokić, at today’s extraordinary session of the Education Committee delivered sharp criticism of the attitude of state authorities toward the academic community, assessing that the University is no longer treated as a partner, but as a “threat and opponent”.
The rector’s address began with a statement of condolences following the tragic death of a student of the Faculty of Philosophy. Đokić emphasized that this tragedy requires a detailed, dignified and fair investigation, stressing that the Faculty of Philosophy has from the very beginning fully cooperated with all authorities in order to establish relevant facts.
ĐOKIĆ: WHERE WAS THIS URGENCY WHEN THE CANOPY COLLAPSED?
“I did not come here to participate in yet another distortion of reality, nor to respond to constructions being circulated without established facts. I came to tell the truth,” said the rector, adding that it is in the interest of all employees at the University for the case to be clarified in an impartial, objective and transparent manner.
Rector Đokić publicly raised the issue of selective urgency of state authorities, comparing the current mobilization with the response after the tragedy in Novi Sad.
“Where was this level of urgency and public mobilization when 16 victims died in the canopy collapse?” the rector asked, criticizing the way certain state authorities are currently responding.
According to him, the attack on the academic community has been ongoing for a year and a half, and the situation has escalated to the point where the University is no longer seen as a social problem, but as an open threat.
Listing the types of pressure the academic community has been exposed to – from financial and media pressure to physical, legal and human pressure – Đokić was explicit in his stance that the University of Belgrade will not yield.
“The University of Belgrade does not accept being an enemy. We are one of the foundations of this society and one of the pillars of our state. I want to make it clear: the University stands with its students, just as the students stand with the University,” he emphasized.
The rector concluded his address by calling on the competent authorities to stop false constructions and accusations, and to carry out their work professionally and solely in the interest of justice.
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Source: Nedeljnik, Foto: n1