20 May Repression in Education: A wave of Dismissals, Removals and Disciplinary Procedures

Posted at 15:12h in News, Three Freedoms Under the Magnifying Glass by

Belgrade, May 20, 2026

(UPDATED REPORT): Repression in Education 

 

Although blockades of universities and classes in primary and secondary schools have long since ended, the authorities’ repression of employees in the education system has not stopped. All that we wrote about in the latest report on the “Wave of Repression in Education” — disciplinary proceedings, hearings, dismissals — continued into 2026.

The peak of repression was reached in March 2026, with a raid by members of the Criminal Police Directorate on the Rectorate building and the Faculty of Philosophy, all under the pretext of conducting an investigation following the tragic death of a female student. This event was used by pro-government media outlets and officials to once again attack the academic community, this time accusing it of the most serious criminal offenses, thereby shifting attention away from their own responsibility, which students and citizens have been calling for since 16 people died in the collapse of the reconstructed canopy at the railway station in Novi Sad.

Throughout this year, the authorities have also been applying new forms of pressure on the academic community. Thus, a new faculty was established in Niš, the so-called Faculty of Serbian Studies. This faculty was created by transferring academic programs from the Faculty of Philosophy in Niš without any prior consultation with staff. The state has also reached an agreement with the Serbian Orthodox Church to establish a new university, and such decisions indicate an intention by the authorities to create para-universities and para-faculties loyal and obedient to the ruling party, which would serve to simulate cooperation between the government and the academic community.

In addition, work is underway on amendments to education laws that would allow for greater government influence even over school boards. The proposed changes to the composition of these boards move in the direction of increasing the number of seats held by representatives of local municipalities, while simultaneously reducing the number of members coming from the ranks of teachers and parents.

Repression in education continues, and such practices may have far-reaching consequences for the state of education in the country and the future of Serbia’s citizens, given that education is the foundation on which society is built.

By clicking the button below, you can read the updated report on repression in education. (the first version of the report was published on September 12, 2025)