Rektorka Humbolt univerziteta za N1: Autoritarni političari se plaše ljudi koji sudbinu uzimaju u sv

The chancellor of Humboldt University in Berlin told N1 that politicians who want to build a more authoritarian regime are afraid of people who want to take their destiny into their own hands. A debate on Universities under pressure was held in the Rectorate building. The discussion was also attended by Julia Von Blumenthal, rector of Humboldt University in Berlin and chairman of the "Circle U" university network, which includes the University of Belgrade.

N1: You are in Belgrade, in a very specific situation: students, professors and the academic community have been exposed to attacks for more than a year. How do you see the current situation here in Belgrade when it comes to the academic community? Blumenthal: First of all, it is important for me to say that we, as partners of the University of Belgrade within the Circle U alliance, are following events very carefully. We have also made it clear that we stand in solidarity with our university partners who truly defend academic freedom and the right to responsible government. So, it is about common values ​​that we share. What I see right now is that the University has returned to teaching and research. When you're here, everything seems somehow normal. But, of course, we know that the situation is not normal at all. We saw what happened at the end of March and we see how threats to our partner here in Belgrade continue and even become more intense. N1 : When you compare this situation globally, it seems that the academic community is under pressure not only in Serbia, but all over the world. When you compare it with the situation in Serbia, do you see any differences? Blumenthal : Unfortunately, this is not a unique case.

Key points

• N1: You are in Belgrade, in a very specific situation: students, professors and the academic community have been exposed to attacks for more than a year.
• How do you see the current situation here in Belgrade when it comes to the academic community?
• Blumenthal: First of all, it is important for me to say that we, as partners of the University of Belgrade within the Circle U alliance, are following events very carefully.
• We have also made it clear that we stand in solidarity with our university partners who truly defend academic freedom and the right to responsible government.
• So, it is about common values ​​that we share.