Belgrade University Ranked Between 201-300th by Shanghai Academic Ranking
University of Belgrade rector Ivanka Popovic on Sept. 22 denounced Serbian Progressive Party activists who raided the university administrative building a few days ago, stating that they had violated the autonomy of that institution and that the students defending that autonomy had her support.
According to a press release, a viewing of video footage delivered by students blocking the building had provided evidence that a group of ruling party activists entered the building on Sept. 13.
"This event is in direct contravention of Article 9 of the [University] Statute, which clearly states that 'the organizing or actions of political parties are not permitted in the University, nor is the holding of rallies or any other activity based on political or partisan objectives,'" the rector's press release read.
The statement added that all University students advocating its autonomy and free actions had her support, while she condemned ruling party activists who were threatening that autonomy.
Mila Jovanovic, a student, responded immediately, stating that the rector's support had opened the door to negotiations, slated to begin on Sept. 23.
"We believe this is a victory, and that the rector and rectorate have shown that they want to protect the autonomy of the University of Belgrade," Jovanovic told BETA. Jovanovic is part of student sit-ins demanding the resignation of Finance Minister Sinisa Mali over his plagiarized PhD dissertation.
She said that if the rector encountered any problems over the press release, the students were ready to stand beside her and protect her like they had been defending the university for days with sit-ins.
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