Berlin Institution Warns Against Threats to Academic Freedom in Serbia
British Embassy in Berlin hosts presentation with Deutsche Post and DHL
April 07th, 2026
The Presidium of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin has expressed solidarity with the University of Belgrade following the storming of the rectorate by Serbian police on 31 March. In a statement released on April 2, the Berlin institution described the operation as a threat to university independence and condemned the actions of the Serbian authorities.
In its statement, Humboldt-Universität highlighted its close academic cooperation with the University of Belgrade, including their shared participation in the European University Alliance. The Presidium stressed that any restriction of academic freedom within partner institutions represents a broader challenge to common European values underpinning research and teaching.
According to the statement, tensions had been rising for months amid increasing pressure on students and staff linked to student-led protests for democratic change in Serbia. The situation escalated following a fatal accident on 26 March at the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade, when a 25-year-old student fell from a fifth-floor window. The university pledged cooperation with investigators, but subsequent developments raised concerns that the inquiry was being used to target protests and their supporters.
On 31 March, several police units entered the rectorate without prior consultation. The operation, accompanied by a pro-government film crew, was broadcast live and included the confrontation with Rector Vladan Đokić. Police reportedly remained in the building for eleven hours, temporarily blocking entrances and exits, detaining the rector in his office, and seizing computers, hard drives, and files. The University of Belgrade stated that some materials taken were unrelated to the accident investigation and announced plans for legal and public action.
The response from Humboldt-Universität reflects growing concern among European academic institutions about pressures on university governance. By voicing support for Belgrade, the Berlin university noted the importance of protecting academic independence as a core principle of European higher education cooperation.
References:
- https://www.hu-berlin.de/nachrichten/detail/hu-solidaritaet-mit-universitaet-belgrad
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/humboldt-university-berlin_das-pr%C3%A4sidium-der-humboldt-universit%C3%A4t-activity-7445482404854759424-DjSx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFlymI0BKrIDYV9r3-olSjNb9n5E1wQmyF8
