Bearing in mind the value of university autonomy, freedom of critical thought and solidarity, we express our concern over the threats received by our colleagues at the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad.

An organised attack on the integrity of this institution began with the circulation of a tampered video featuring its professor Dinko Gruhonjić, which resulted in death threats aimed at Professor Gruhonjić; a blockade of the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad; and ultimatums, insults and continuous threats to the faculty staff who have decided to defend university autonomy.

Given the complex political situation in Serbia, the conduct of the university management and of the Student Parliament is particularly disturbing. Both prove to be among the many seized and instrumentalized institutions that actively contribute to the devastation of academic values and human rights instead of their protection.