Herewith, we express our solidarity with the students and universities of Serbia.

On 1 November 2024, the canopy at the recently renovated Novi Sad train station collapsed, killing 15 people.

For over two months, students in Serbia have been protesting and organizing blockades to demand an investigation into the accident and accountability for those responsible. They have been joined by university professors, high school pupils, farmers, and lawyers in protests, blockades, and the single largest demonstration in Serbia since the fall of Slobodan Milošević.

In response, governmental media, government officials, and the president have labeled the students as foreign agents and blamed foreign intelligence agencies for the protests.  In addition, the students have been subject to physical attacks over recent months, including by individuals deliberately driving their cars into the students and seriously injuring several of them.

The universities in Serbia have been supporting and protesting along with the students to safeguard and amplify their message and their freedom of expression.  

We, the undersigned researchers and academic institutions, firmly support the students of Serbian universities in their struggle for the rule of law,  accountability, better education, and freedom of expression.

We call on Serbian authorities to address students’ demands, end assaults and protect them from physical and other forms of attacks.

We call on the EU to support the students’ demand for the rule of law and democratic accountability in Serbia and to hear their concerns.