The Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, addressed citizens gathered in protest in front of the University headquarters from the balcony of the Rectorate building. On March 31, members of the Criminal Police entered the Rectorate building of the University of Belgrade without prior notice and without a clear legal justification, reports “Danas.rs.”
“[The raid took place] without respect for the autonomy of the oldest and most distinguished educational institution in Serbia. They seized computers and servers. They are searching offices. They are looking for documents. And while they were doing this, regime television broadcast it live. They did not come to investigate. They came to humiliate. They came to tell every professor, every student, every citizen: this is what happens to those who do not remain silent. Let us clearly state what happened today. A young woman died on Thursday. A tragedy that deserves a dignified, independent, and thorough investigation. The University of Belgrade immediately called for such an investigation. We offered full cooperation. Instead, we received a police raid in front of cameras. The Rectorate’s computers contain no information relevant to the investigation of the death of a student at the Faculty of Philosophy. Everyone knows this. But that is not the point. The point is the image: police in the Rectorate. The rector under investigation. The university on its knees,” Rector Đokić said.
In his speech, the Rector emphasized that the University of Belgrade fully respects the rule of law.
