Katarina Baletic: “Belgrade University Police Raid Triggers Protests and Clashes,” BalkanInsight, April 1, 2026, https://balkaninsight.com/2026/04/01/belgrade-university-police-raid-triggers-protests-and-clashes/bi/
The pretext for the police raid is a tragedy that occurred a few days ago: a student fell from the faculty building and died. The government is now apparently using this case to continue its crackdown on universities and bring them even more firmly under control. The university rector was interrogated by the police for ten hours. He then gave a speech in which he explicitly called on other universities and European institutions to take a public stand:
“Today, the police have entered the University of Belgrade. This has been broadcast live as a political spectacle. This is not an investigation. This is a repression against the freedom of thought.
I appeal to universities across Europe, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and all who believe in academic freedom—please speak out. Today—it is Belgrade. Tomorrow—it may be any other university in Europe that dares to stand by its students.”