The Serbian National Forum (SNF) has issued a strong statement of support for a group of professors from the University of Pristina, based in North Mitrovica, who, alongside certain students, have backed protests by their colleagues at Serbian universities.
The SNF emphasized that the support goes beyond academic solidarity, framing it as part of a broader resistance against the „criminal structures“ led by Milan Radoičić, whose influence in Kosovo has persisted for nearly a decade reportedly “deeply rooted” in the University.
The SNF called on professors to continue their „historical mission“ of fighting for free thought, not only within the university but also for the „freedom of the manipulated and intimidated Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija.“
A month ago, following the reported refusal of University of Pristina rector Prof. Dr. Nebojša Arsić to meet with a delegation from the SNF, they had sharply criticized the university’s professors for their silence. The SNF accused them of squashing the „creative and productive energy“ of the youth, who should be educated and nationally conscious, empowered to face the challenges of the region with courage.
They continued to emphasize that despite „the overwhelming pressures and potential retaliations“, there are brave individuals within the University who „refuse to sacrifice their academic integrity and dignity for the sake of serving an autocratic regime that has consistently harmed national and state interests“, especially in Kosovo.
The SNF further expressed its support for the „rebellion“ among some professors at the University of Pristina.
„The protest is seen not just as an act of solidarity with students across Serbia, but also as an explicit stand against criminal structures, particularly those linked to Radoičić“, reads the statement.
They detailed how Radoičić’s influence has held sway over the university for years, using intimidation and threats to control the institution’s administration, with dire consequences for its academic and moral standing.
„Resistance to criminal structures, among which is Milan Radoičić, who has been leading these structures for nearly a decade with deep roots in this educational institution! So deep that, even today, through intimidation and threats, he keeps the rectorate and all faculties under his control, which, to the great regret and shame, have been appointed with his blessing!“
The statement also expressed regret that some high-profile members of the Forum, professors who had been allegedly seen as stalwarts of resistance to President Vučić’s policies in Kosovo, had not signed the support statement.
Support of Blockades from Kosovo
The support from Kosovo extended beyond the university faculty. The Otadžbina Movement, which cooperates with the SNF, shared their unwavering support for the protest, as did a few members of the National Theater Ensemble in Pristina, now based in Gracanica.
In Serbia, student protests continue to escalate. Blockades of university faculties, which began in response to attacks on students several weeks ago, are spreading, with more institutions joining the protests every day. Students are demanding full transparency regarding the reconstruction of a canopy in Novi Sad, accountability for the recent attack on students, and an end to political repression.
The protests have garnered widespread support from professors at various universities across Serbia, as well as from regional academic colleagues and even high school students.
This week, support also came from Kosovo, beginning with four professors who voiced their solidarity with the students. A day later, seven professors from the University of Pristina launched a petition that has gathered more than 350 signatures. This initiative was triggered by a statement from the University’s Rectorial Council, which distanced itself from the protests and subtly offered support to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
Among the petition’s signatories is Dr. Senka Kostić, a lecturer at the Faculty of Philosophy, who publicly expressed her personal views on the issue. In a statement published this week, she criticized the way autonomy at the University of Pristina has been shaped to align with Vučić’s political agenda, claiming that the university has forgotten its duty to support students in these turbulent times.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
