The Rector of the University of Belgrade harshly criticizes the Vučić regime: No government has been so hostile

Although students protesting against the regime of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić have not yet announced a single name from the possible list for the parliamentary elections, which Vučić claims will be held this year, the name of the rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, is increasingly being mentioned in public opinion as a leading academic and political figure who could openly oppose the current government.

Particular attention was paid to Đokić’s speech at the “Power is in Knowledge” student protest, held on January 27 in Belgrade. The speech was praised as more direct and harsher than any of his previous public appearances, marking a clear shift in his stance towards the authorities.

In his speech, the rector of the University of Belgrade emphasized that, historically, "no government, like today's, has treated members of the academic community in such a hostile, vindictive and malicious manner, just because the academic community refused to remain silent."

According to him, the authorities are directly attacking universities, using, as he put it, "evil and perversity."

Djokic stated that the two most valuable categories of society have been targeted: the youth and the educated.

"They are disturbing the younger and more educated because they don't want to be silent, because they want to stay in this country and live a normal life," he told thousands of protesters.

The rector accused the government of using various forms of pressure to suppress academic and student resistance, including physical, financial, media, and administrative pressure.

As concrete examples, he cited the police and gendarmerie raid on the University of Novi Sad campus, the excessive use of force, the arrest and beating of students and professors in front of faculty buildings, as well as the adoption of regulations restricting the scientific research work of university professors.

Djokic also spoke about the systematic targeting of students and professors by pro-government media and senior representatives of state authorities, describing this as an attempt to intimidate and delegitimize universities.

"Instead of fear, we respond to all the strength and arrogance of this regime with all the power of education," he declared, receiving strong applause from those present.

According to the rector of the University of Belgrade, a strong and successful society cannot exist without a strong education system and institutions that protect all citizens, not just the privileged.

He emphasized that investment in higher education is essential for the economic and social development of any country and that the need for change is now clear.

Djokic called on competent institutions to respect and guarantee the legal autonomy of universities, emphasizing that the constitution, human rights and fundamental achievements of civilization should not be violated in the public and media space.

At the end of the speech, he sent a direct message to the current government and any future government: "There is no malice in it, there is power in knowledge."

The Geo Post