Belgrade – A wave of outrage has swept through the international academic community following reports of repression in Serbia. More than 200 renowned academics, including Nobel Prize laureates, have signed a declaration condemning violence against students and professors during the March 15 protests in Belgrade.
Signatories include leading contemporary thinkers such as economist Thomas Piketty, philosopher Slavoj Žižek, feminist theorist Judith Butler, writer Annie Ernaux, philosopher Étienne Balibar and political scientist Nancy Fraser.
In their statement, they denounce the use of repressive tactics against peaceful demonstrators and warn of a dangerous deterioration in human rights protections in Serbia.
Use of sonic weapons and crackdown on students
The statement alleges that demonstrators, including university students and faculty, were subjected to non-lethal weapons and an unknown acoustic phenomenon that triggered mass panic and stampedes.
“Reports of a powerful, unexplained sonic disturbance causing mass panic and stampede-like movement among the crowd raise alarming questions about the tactics used against peaceful citizens exercising their fundamental rights. This unlawful and deliberate use of means intended to incite fear, confusion and chaos at a public gathering represents a grave violation of human rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, physical integrity, and ultimately the right to life.”
Corruption and institutional crisis at the heart of protests
The protests were sparked by the collapse of a train station roof in Novi Sad, which killed 15 people. The academics argue that the tragedy is a direct result of systemic corruption, institutional failure and a lack of government accountability.
“The demand for the rule of law and functioning institutions is not only justified—it is essential to prevent future tragedies and to ensure a fair and accountable system of governance.”
Attacks on the Rector of the University of Belgrade
In addition to the crackdown on protesters, the academics voiced outrage at an intimidation and defamation campaign against the rector of the University of Belgrade, who defended academic autonomy and students’ right to protest.
“The targeted attacks against the rector—who has stood up for academic integrity and students’ rights—have escalated into an open campaign led by regime-aligned public figures calling for his arrest. This blatant act of intimidation is part of a broader attempt to silence critical voices in higher education and undermine the autonomy of academic institutions.”
Call for international investigation
The signatories demand that Serbian authorities launch an immediate and transparent investigation into the events of March 15, identify and sanction those responsible for the repression, and ensure the safety of students and faculty exercising their right to peaceful protest.
The declaration ends with a call for universities, research institutions and academic networks worldwide to stand in solidarity with protesters in Serbia and to denounce this attack on education and human rights.
