Protesters rally against Serbia's crackdown on universities

In Serbia, thousands of individuals demonstrated on Friday in Belgrade to voice their anger against a government crackdown on university autonomy. This rally was prompted by a series of measures imposed by the government of President Aleksandar Vucic, targeting university professors and student organizations amid ongoing anti-corruption protests that have unfolded over several months. Demonstrators gathered outside the Serbian government building, advocating for the cancellation of punitive actions against dissenting educators and for the preservation of academic independence. These protests followed a tragic incident in November, when a concrete canopy collapse at a train station led to the deaths of 16 individuals, raising alarm over alleged government negligence and corruption in public works. This disaster ignited widespread discontent, particularly among the youth and academic communities. The Serbian government has accused the protesting students and professors of collaborating with external entities to destabilize the country, while the opposition claims that such actions are an infringement on democratic rights. The European Union has stepped in, with officials acknowledging the need to uphold university autonomy, signaling support for the students' demands amid the controversial educational reforms being proposed. As the government continues to cut salaries and threaten funding for dissenting faculties, the tension in Serbia's political and academic spheres remains palpable, setting the stage for future confrontations between the authorities and the populace who seek transparency and reform in their institutions.