We, the Executive Board of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU), call for solidarity with the University of Belgrade and its Rectorate. HU and the University of Belgrade are closely linked through the European University Alliance Circle U. and through bilateral projects. Any threat to the independence of the University of Belgrade concerns us all. The University of Belgrade, its students and staff, and its rectorate stand for freedom of research and teaching, as well as a democratic society in Serbia.
In recent months, we have received several worrying reports from the University of Belgrade regarding the growing pressure on staff and students in response to protests for democratic change in Serbia, which are largely driven by students. A particularly alarming development is the series of events that took place on 31 March 2026, which were directed, among other things, specifically against the Rectorate and the Rector, Vladan Đokić. The trigger for the current events was a serious accident on 26 March at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, in which a 25-year-old student lost her life after falling from a fifth-floor window.
The students, the faculty and the rector's office expressed their sadness over the accident and the death of the young student. From the outset, those in charge pledged their full cooperation with the investigating authorities in clarifying the circumstances.
HU's executive board condemns attack on members of the University of Belgrade
Subsequent events suggest that the investigations are being used to further target and discredit the protests and their supporters at universities: On 31 March, several police units stormed the Rector’s Office at the University of Belgrade without warning or prior consultation. The police units were accompanied by a pro-government film crew, which live-streamed the operation, the presentation of the search warrant and the confrontation with Vladan Đokić on TV.
During this operation, police forces remained in the building for eleven hours, temporarily blocking the entrances and exits and detaining Mr Đokić in his offices. The Rector’s Office of the University of Belgrade reports that hard drives, computers and files were seized which had nothing to do with an investigation into the accident. In the view of the University of Belgrade, these investigations are being misused to prepare further repressive measures. The university has already decided to take legal and public action against these events.
We, as Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and as part of the Circle U. network, are committed to shared values and principles. This includes academic freedom, the autonomy of universities and protection from political repression as a common foundation. We condemn the attack on members of the University of Belgrade and its institutions. We will continue to monitor the situation at the university closely and maintain our solidarity with our colleagues there.