Network of Academic Solidarity Calls on Academic Community to Halt Work Until Student Demands Are Met

MASA

The Network of Academic Solidarity and Engagement on Jan. 22 called on all members of the academic community to join the students of the Faculty of Philosophy, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Faculty of Dramatic Arts in a work stoppage in protest until all student demands are met.

The Network's statement noted that the last few days had seen "an increase in repression against the students who have been organizing blockades of their university schools across Serbia for months, demanding universal legal security and social justice." "The latest threat by senior state officials involves students' material security, as their irresponsible statements bring into question the regular payment of student loans, scholarships and spots in dormitories," the Network said in its press release.

The organization adds that the treatment of the students, their parents, teachers and professors who have publicly voiced support to the student demands was "increasingly authoritarian." "Finally, the regime addresses all citizens who think differently in a vulgar and aggressive manner, drawing obscene messages on schools and public spaces. We urge all members of the academic community to join the students and their activities in as high a number as possible, giving them support and protection," the statement read.