The Secretary-General of the European Democratic Party (EDP), Sandro Goci, called on Serbian authorities to respect university autonomy, end all political pressure on academic institutions, and ensure an independent and transparent investigation into the tragic death of a student that has raised public concern. In a written statement, Goci expressed full solidarity with the Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, students, and all citizens of Serbia who peacefully stand for truth, dignity, and freedom.
Goci criticized the police intervention at the University of Belgrade, stating that it is not an isolated abuse but part of what he described as a broader pattern under President Aleksandar Vučić: intimidation, political pressure, media manipulation, and systematic erosion of democratic oversight.
“The authorities sending police to the university because the rector stands with students represents a power that fears freedom, fears accountability, and fears the truth,” Goci said.
He added that Vučić seeks to bring every independent institution in Serbia under his control, with universities, media, and the electoral process becoming targets precisely because they continue to resist political capture.
Goci urged Europe to take a firm stance, emphasizing that such interference is unacceptable. He called on Serbian authorities to fully respect university autonomy, end political pressure on academic institutions, and guarantee an independent, transparent investigation into the student’s death.
This latest act of intimidation comes just days after local elections in Serbia were marked by serious allegations of violence, voter intimidation, and police inaction at polling stations, according to international and independent observers.
