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The Persecution of Professor Nevena Jevtić Is an Attack on Freedom of Speech, the Right to Work, and University Autonomy

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The Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the complaint filed by the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad, Milivoj Alanović, against Professor Nevena Jevtić before the Ethics Committee, in an attempt to portray her public speech as hate speech, discrimination, and incitement to violence.

It is clear that this is an abuse of ethical procedures for the purpose of a political reckoning with a professor who exercised her constitutional right to speak publicly, freely express her views, and criticise the situation in society, institutions, and the university.

Article 46 of the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia guarantees freedom of thought and expression, as well as the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through speech, writing, images, or in any other manner. Article 60 of the Constitution guarantees the right to work, equal access to employment, and legal protection in the event of termination of employment. No one in Serbia may lose their job, be professionally punished, or be subjected to institutional persecution because they are dissatisfied with the situation in the country, because they support students, or because they criticise the work of a dean, a faculty, or any other holder of public office.

It is particularly important to recall that the Law on Higher Education establishes academic freedoms, autonomy, academic integrity, and openness towards the public and citizens as fundamental principles of higher education. A university is not a barracks, a faculty is not a party cell, and professors are not employees who must remain silent in the face of arbitrary conduct by the administration.

The Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy is not a private individual exempt from public criticism. He performs a public function, manages a public institution, and decides on matters of unquestionable public interest. For that reason, his work, his decisions, his conduct, and his attitude towards students, professors, and the autonomy of the University must be subject to public criticism. The attempt to present criticism of the dean as hate speech represents a dangerous form of institutional retaliation against all those who dare to speak out.

It is particularly hypocritical and dangerous to try to attribute responsibility to Professor Jevtić for the unprecedented police violence that took place on 5 September at the University of Novi Sad. That violence was not the consequence of a single metaphor, a single speech, or a single academic opinion. It was the consequence of an atmosphere of hatred, intolerance, intimidation, and state force that has for months been systematically directed against students, professors, and citizens who defend the freedom, autonomy, and dignity of the university.

Responsibility for violence cannot be shifted onto those who spoke out against violence. Responsibility lies with those who brought the police into academic space, with those who accepted the violation of university autonomy by force, and with those who used public office to discipline, intimidate, and punish the disobedient. It was precisely Dean Alanović who called on the police to intervene by force, and this was not the first time that university autonomy had been violated through police force. That is why the attempt to portray Professor Jevtić as the source of the problem is morally unacceptable, legally unfounded, and politically transparent.

The complaint against Professor Jevtić represents a continuation of pressure on the academic community in Novi Sad and on the entire Free University of Novi Sad. It cannot be viewed separately from the cases of Jelena Kleut, Vladimir Mihić, and other professors who have come under attack because they stood with the students, with the public interest, and with fundamental democratic values.

The Regional Academy for Democratic Development offers its full support to Professor Nevena Jevtić and to all professors, students, and citizens who are fighting for a free university, the right to criticism, and a society in which people are not punished because they think, speak, and refuse to remain silent. If ethical procedures are used to punish free speech, then it is no longer only one professor who is under threat, but the very idea of the university itself.

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Europe Day: Serbia Belongs to Europe When It Builds Free, Accountable and Democratic Institutions

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The Regional Academy for Democratic Development congratulates the citizens of Serbia on Europe Day.

This day reminds us that modern Europe did not emerge only as a political project, but as a historical response to war, authoritarianism, hatred and destruction. That is why the European idea has never been only a matter of institutions and procedures, but also a matter of building a society in which human dignity, freedom, equality, peace and the right of every citizen to live without fear are protected.

For Serbia, Europe Day must be more than a symbolic date. It is a reminder that the European path cannot be reduced to the formal harmonisation of legislation, negotiation chapters and diplomatic messages. Genuine European integration means building a state in which institutions work in the public interest, laws apply equally to everyone, the public has the right to take part in decision-making, the media operate freely, and citizens are not treated as an obstacle, but as the bearers of a democratic society.

Serbia belongs to the European space not only geographically, but also through its best democratic, civic and anti-fascist tradition. That is precisely why it is important for European values to become the measure of institutional conduct, political accountability and the attitude towards citizens.

Europe Day is therefore also a day of responsibility: a day to clearly state that Serbia can and must be an orderly, democratic and free society. This is a path that requires consistency, courage and the restoration of trust in institutions, but it is the only path that leads Serbia to where it belongs — into a community of democratic, solidary and accountable European societies.

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The Serbian Government is excluding citizens from decision-making under the pretext of European integration

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The Regional Academy for Democratic Development warns that the amendments to the regulations governing the drafting of legislation and public policy documents represent a step backwards in terms of institutional transparency, the quality of decision-making, and democratic oversight of the European integration process.

Through amendments to two regulations, the Government of the Republic of Serbia has opened the possibility for legislation and public policy documents adopted in connection with the European Union accession process to be exempted from regular procedures that include assessing their consequences and involving the interested public. In this way, European integration, instead of serving as a space for stronger standards of civic participation and inclusion, is being turned into a mechanism for bypassing public debate and fully excluding citizens.

Serbia’s European path cannot be reduced to the technical transposition of rules, nor must it become an administrative cover for the accelerated adoption of legislation without public scrutiny. On the contrary, the European Union accession process should be a space for strengthening institutions, the rule of law, government accountability, and citizens’ trust in public policies. Any reduction of public insight into this process directly weakens its reform purpose.

Regulatory impact assessment is not a bureaucratic formality, but a way to understand in advance how a proposed solution will affect citizens, the economy, local communities, vulnerable groups, and the functioning of institutions. Public consultations are not an obstacle to decision-making, but a fundamental democratic mechanism that enables laws and policies to be of higher quality, more applicable, and more legitimate.

The Regional Academy for Democratic Development particularly emphasises the danger of treating the area of European integration, which covers a large number of reforms and legislative changes, as a possible exception from the rules that apply to other public policies. This creates the risk that the most important decisions for the country’s future will be made within a narrow circle of selected actors, without the meaningful contribution of the expert public, civil society, the academic community, trade unions, the business community, and the citizens to whom these decisions will apply.

Serbia does not move closer to the European Union by narrowing the space for public participation, but by strengthening democratic procedures, institutional accountability, and citizens’ involvement in decision-making. We therefore call on the Government of the Republic of Serbia to reconsider these measures and ensure that all legislation and public policies, including those related to European integration, are subject to serious analysis, open consultations, and publicly available explanations.

European integration must not serve as a cover for closing decision-making processes. It must be a path towards more open, more accountable, and more democratic institutions, with the full participation of the interested public in the adoption of all decisions and policies.

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Your Novi Sad Story: Apply for Youth Media Sprint

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Learn how to turn an idea, solid research and limited resources into a professional local story of public interest

The Regional Academy for Democratic Development (ADD) and Educons University invite students, young journalists and media content creators from Novi Sad to apply for the programme “Youth Media Sprint: Novi Sad Newsroom Lab”.

The programme is intended for young people aged 18 to 35 who want to develop the skills needed for professional, responsible and publicly relevant local journalism. The project aims to empower 16 young journalists and media content creators from Novi Sad through practical education, specialised training and a three-month mentoring process.

Through the programme, participants will learn how local topics are researched, verified, shaped and presented to the public in a way that is accurate, useful and understandable to citizens. Special focus will be placed on solution-based journalism, cyber security, fact-checking, identifying disinformation, light watchdog techniques, multimedia production and digital editing.

Who can apply?

The call is open to students, young journalists and media content creators aged 18 to 35 who live, study or work in Novi Sad.

Members of student, youth and informal newsrooms are especially encouraged to apply, as well as young people who already produce media content or want to become involved in youth and local media.

The selection process will take into account the motivation of candidates, their readiness to actively participate in the full programme, and gender balance, with the aim of ensuring equal participation of women and men among the selected participants.

What does the programme include?

Participants will take part in a cycle of practical educational sessions, specialised trainings and three months of mentoring.

The programme will cover topics such as:

local journalism and journalists’ safety, including physical and digital security;

media and information literacy, fact-checking and identifying disinformation;

trust, ethics and credibility in local reporting;

solution-based journalism, focused not only on problems, but also on possible solutions;

light watchdog techniques, including the basics of using freedom of information requests;

digital skills, mobile journalism, multimedia production and digital editing;

responsible use of digital and AI tools in contemporary media work.

After the educational sessions, participants will work in small groups and, with the support of mentors, develop local journalistic stories on topics that matter to Novi Sad and young people in the local community.

Why apply?

By taking part in the programme, young people will have the opportunity to gain practical knowledge from experienced journalists, educators and experts, develop their own local story from idea to publication, learn how to verify information, use public sources and build audience trust.

The programme is designed as a practical working process in which knowledge is immediately applied through research, teamwork, mentoring and the production of concrete local media content.

When and where?

The programme will take place in Novi Sad. The exact dates of educational sessions and trainings will be shared with selected participants.

Participation in the programme is free of charge.

How to apply?

Applications are submitted through the form “Application for Participation in the Project – Youth Media Sprint: Novi Sad Newsroom Lab”.

All interested candidates are kindly asked to carefully complete the form and provide basic information about themselves, their experience, motivation and interest in local journalism and media production.

Application deadline: 30 May 2026.

YOU CAN APPLY FOR YOUTH MEDIA SPRINT HERE

For additional information, please contact us at: office@regionaladd.org

The Regional Academy for Democratic Development and Educons University invite young people from Novi Sad to apply and become part of a programme that connects knowledge, practice, mentoring and local stories of public interest.

The project “Youth Media Sprint – Novi Sad Newsroom Lab”, implemented by the Regional Academy for Democratic Development in partnership with Educons University, is supported through the broader “MEdIA-Lit” programme, led by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE/CGO) in partnership with the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in North Macedonia, the Tirana Centre for Journalism Excellence from Albania and the Atlantic Initiative from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with financial support from the European Union and co-financing from the Ministry of Regional-Investment Development and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organisations of the Government of Montenegro.

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Selaković’s Attacks on Dinko Gruhonjić Amount to a Call for Public Lynching

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The Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the statement made by Minister of Culture Nikola Selaković about professor and journalist Dinko Gruhonjić.

It is unacceptable for a holder of such a high public office to use language that humiliates, discredits, and endangers the safety of a person who has for years been exposed to pressure, threats, and organised hate campaigns. When such messages come from a minister, they are no longer merely a political outburst. They become a signal that the persecution of dissenting voices is permissible, and that public targeting is a legitimate method of dealing with critics.

It is particularly alarming that such a statement comes from the Minister of Culture, whose duty is to protect freedom of expression, the dignity of public speech, and the most basic democratic standards. Instead, what is being witnessed is a dangerous abuse of public office aimed at further fuelling hostility and placing a target on the backs of those who speak freely and refuse to remain silent.

The attack on Dinko Gruhonjić is not merely an attack on one individual. It is an attack on the right of every journalist, professor, intellectual, and citizen to think, speak, and act without fear of political retaliation. A society in which ministers encourage campaigns against critical voices is not a democratic society, but one shaped by institutional intimidation.

The Regional Academy for Democratic Development calls for a full political accountability for the words that have been spoken. Public officials must understand that every statement that incites hatred, stigmatisation, and violence carries serious consequences for people’s safety and for the already deeply damaged public sphere in Serbia.

Standing in solidarity with Dinko Gruhonjić at this moment means defending freedom of speech, professional integrity, and the very minimum of democratic dignity.

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A Coordinated System Response Is Essential to Protect Young People from Violence and Delinquency

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The system for addressing peer violence and juvenile delinquency remains insufficiently developed and coordinated, which calls for stronger prevention, greater intersectoral cooperation, and a stronger focus on support, education, and the resocialisation of young people, it was stated during the second panel, “How to Respond to Peer Violence and Juvenile Delinquency?”, held as part of the closing conference of the project “SRCE: Supporting the Empowerment and Resilience of Young People Today”, implemented by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) in partnership with the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (ADD), with the support of the EU Delegation to Montenegro and co-financing from the Ministry of Public Administration.

The panel highlighted the role of Parliament and political actors in addressing the problem, as well as the need for stronger prevention and better intersectoral cooperation. The focus was also on the effectiveness of the existing legal framework, the application of alternative measures, and the capacities of institutions to work with children and young people, including staff specialisation and responses to new forms of violence, especially online.

It was emphasised that issues of peer violence and juvenile delinquency are often marginalised in public and political discourse, while the institutional response frequently comes reactively, after more serious incidents, rather than in a systemic and preventive manner.

“Society does not deal sufficiently with the causes of peer violence. Institutions must be strengthened and much more must be done in the area of prevention, because there are now worrying trends such as the early use of alcohol, gambling, and the rise in psychoactive substances. The value framework of society and its attitude towards education are crucial for shaping the behaviour of young people,” said Boris Mugoša, Deputy Chair of the Committee on Health, Labour and Social Welfare of the Parliament of Montenegro. Mugoša also stressed the importance of Parliament’s oversight role over the work of institutions, assessing that the responses of both the system and society are often inadequate given the seriousness of the problem.

Zoja Bojanić Lalović, a member of the Committee on Education, Science, Culture and Sport, stressed that peer violence is not sufficiently in the focus of institutions and is often treated as a sector-specific issue, even though it requires a broader social response. “In this, the role of the education system in prevention is crucial. It is necessary to strengthen the educational role of schools, foster empathy, improve the capacities of teaching staff, enhance socio-emotional skills and media literacy, and invest more in extracurricular activities and the non-formal education of young people,” she said.

Independent MP in the Parliament of Montenegro, Dragan Bojović, pointed out that peer violence is not merely an individual problem, but a reflection of the broader system of values. “That is why upbringing, dialogue, and strengthening cooperation between the family, the school, and the community are so important… It is also necessary to work on developing prevention mechanisms suited to the modern digital environment. Finally, promoting positive examples in society and the media is essential for building a healthier environment,” he said.

Panel participants emphasised the need to strengthen coordination among institutions — schools, the police, the prosecution service, and centres for social work — because the lack of systemic interconnection represents one of the key weaknesses of the system. Without a coordinated response, peer violence and juvenile delinquency remain serious social challenges with long-term consequences.

“Peer violence is part of a broader social context and requires coordinated action. The shortage of professional staff, the overburdening of the system, and the absence of support for families further aggravate the situation. Society often stigmatises children who commit criminal offences, even though they are themselves often victims of adverse circumstances. The focus must be on the protection and development of the child, rather than exclusively on punishment, while the effectiveness of alternative measures depends on the cooperation of all actors within the community,” said Dijana Popović Gavranović, Head of Department at the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office.

Dalida Mučić, First Class Police Inspector, pointed to the system’s limited capacities for working with minors. “During 2025, 431 criminal offences committed by minors were registered, along with a significant number of repeat offenders, which serves as a warning of the need for earlier and more systemic intervention. There are particular challenges in the digital sphere, as online violence is becoming increasingly prevalent, while cooperation with global platforms remains difficult,” she stated.

It was concluded that progress will become visible through a more open social approach to the problem, with a stronger focus on support, understanding, and the reintegration of young people, as well as on prevention, education, and resocialisation, the strengthening of socio-emotional skills, media literacy, and non-formal education, and greater support for educational institutions and teaching staff. Visible progress will also be measured through more effective prevention, better coordination, and a reduction in cases of violence. As one of the indicators of social progress, the participants also identified the need for greater visibility of positive examples and young people’s achievements in public life and the media, which would further contribute to building a more supportive social environment.

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No Shifting of Responsibility in Addressing Peer Violence and Juvenile Delinquency

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Podgorica, 23 March 2026

A sound systemic response to peer violence and juvenile delinquency must be swift, but not panicked. It must protect the victim, while also working with the perpetrator. It must involve the school, the family, the social welfare centre, the healthcare system, the police when necessary, and the local community. The worst outcome is when each actor shifts responsibility onto someone else. It is precisely then that the child is left caught between growing risks and an absent response, it was stated today at the first panel of the conference “Between Risks and Responses: Preventing Peer Violence and Juvenile Delinquency”, organised by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) within the project “SRCE: Supporting the Empowerment and Resilience of Young People Today”, which it is implementing in partnership with the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (ADD), with the support of the EU Delegation to Montenegro and co-financing from the Ministry of Public Administration.

“This project emerged from the need to act before the consequences become severe, through a responsible and systemic approach. Peer violence and juvenile delinquency are serious social problems that require coordinated action by institutions, the community, and young people,” said Miloš Knežević, Development Coordinator at the Centre for Civic Education, also noting that the research findings serve as a warning that there is no room for relativising the problem and that a far more decisive, serious, and continuous response by all competent stakeholders to peer violence is necessary.

“The analysis also showed that the system must be much more strongly oriented towards the resocialisation and reintegration of minors, through better interinstitutional coordination and stronger practical support. The normative framework in itself is not sufficient if, in practice, it does not ensure effective measures, timely support, and genuine opportunities for young people to return to a safer and more supportive environment,” Knežević emphasised.

As Knežević pointed out, the project also strengthened the capacities of the police, schools, the judiciary, and other actors working with young people and minors, because an effective institutional response is not possible without continuous cooperation, professional development, and greater sensitivity to the needs of children and young people. “It is important that those who are often the first point of contact within the system have the knowledge, tools, and support to respond in a timely, responsible, and sensitive manner,” he said, warning that peer violence is an enduring problem in our society that continues to grow, while opportunities to curb it are being missed.

“One of the most important conclusions is that young people are not only a group that needs protection, but also agents of change, to whom society must give more space, trust, and support. Through camps, peer workshops, the debate programme, and other activities, it became clear that when young people are given knowledge, opportunity, and encouragement, they can become strong allies in building a safer, more resilient, and more inclusive society,” Knežević stressed.

Aleksandra Jerkov, co-founder of ADD, emphasised that “peer violence and juvenile delinquency are the result of accumulated risks — from domestic violence and social exclusion, to school failure and the lack of institutional support, as well as increasingly pronounced digital violence.” She also warned about the normalisation of violence in the public sphere through language that encourages intolerance and aggression.

“When reflecting on Serbia, it is impossible to overlook the tragedies of May 2023: the Vladislav Ribnikar Primary School, followed by Dubona and Malo Orašje. Those events shook the entire society and opened up an enormous public debate about violence among young people, the availability of weapons, the responsibility of parents, and the role of schools, the media, and institutions. However, to this day, neither society nor the families of the victims have ever received an answer to the key question: which parts of the system failed in prevention, and which failed in responding to these tragedies,” she said.

“Why was the system’s response inadequate? Because it became clear that the normative framework and the system’s actual capacities are not the same. It is not enough to have a strategy if it is not fully implemented. It is not enough to have a rulebook if the school does not have the support to enforce it. It is not enough to react only once violence has occurred. UNICEF’s situation analysis for Serbia warns of the need for stronger psychological and emotional support for children and adolescents, as well as of broader institutional weaknesses that affect child protection,” Jerkov explained.

“The fight against peer violence and juvenile delinquency is directly linked to the overall social climate. It is not possible to build a culture of non-violence within the education system while, at the same time, patterns of aggression and impunity are tolerated or encouraged in the public sphere,” Jerkov concluded.

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Bullying requires an urgent and coordinated response

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Podgorica, 23 March 2026

The findings of public opinion research, as well as specific and disturbing cases of peer violence, are a call to action and an urgent change in the approach taken so far, through a clear strategy and coordinated action by different institutions, civil society, parents, and young people. The way young people are treated today will determine the kind of society that exists tomorrow, because if a safe environment, clear values, and functional institutions are not provided for them, there is a risk of producing new cycles of violence and distrust. These were some of the key messages delivered at the opening of the closing conference held within the project “SRCE: Support for the Empowerment and Resilience of Young People Today”, implemented by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) in partnership with the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (ADD), with the support of the EU Delegation to Montenegro and co-financing from the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro.

“Society often forgets that a child must be protected, yet today children are exposed to the most diverse forms of violence on a daily basis. And this is not only our challenge, but one faced by the contemporary world as well,” said Minister of Justice Bojan Božović, recalling the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, which emphasises the importance of protecting children’s rights.

 

“We adopted, at the Government session on 12 March, the Proposal for the Law on Amendments to the Law on the Treatment of Juveniles in Criminal Proceedings, thereby aligning our framework with EU directives and international law. This strengthens the procedural protection of juveniles, including the obligation to take into account the best interests of the child and to protect their dignity and integrity. However, it must be stressed that once criminal provisions begin to be applied, it is already too late. That is why prevention is of crucial importance, so that the number of cases that end up being prosecuted can be reduced to a minimum,” Božović stated.

“It is extremely important not to remain silent about violence, especially when it comes to the school environment,” emphasised Tatjana Ćalasan, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, noting that the institution is involved in numerous projects and initiatives with international and non-governmental organisations, and that continuous efforts are being made to strengthen the protection of students and staff and to improve the conditions for quality education.

Our work focuses on the safety of students and staff, the quality of education, and broad inclusion. Every response is intended to be non-judgmental, above all calm, and directed towards protection and support for those who need it most,” she added, underlining the importance of joint efforts by all stakeholders — the Government, schools, parents, students, professional support services, local communities, and international partners.

Liselot Isakson, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Montenegro, emphasised that young people are the future of society and that it is the responsibility of adults to support them in preparing for future roles, in both favourable and challenging circumstances. She also stated that the EU has supported numerous projects for young people.

“I am pleased that the EU has supported the project ‘SRCE’, which applies a multisectoral and multidisciplinary approach, because the issue of juvenile delinquency and peer violence cannot be addressed through the action of a single institution alone, but requires the engagement of various stakeholders,” she said, stressing the importance of a system focused on resocialisation and education rather than repression.

“The further development of the juvenile justice system should be directed towards functional and specialised institutions, continuous training of professional staff, the development and wider application of alternative sanctions, and the involvement of local services and the non-governmental sector. The prison system should be used only as a measure of last resort, while ensuring separate institutions for juveniles,” Isakson explained.

She also emphasised that young people rank high on the agenda of the European Commission, through an approach based on inclusion, empowerment, and connection.

“Peer violence and juvenile delinquency are not isolated incidents — they reflect the broader social context in which young people are growing up and which shapes them. Unfortunately, that context is becoming increasingly challenging. We are witnessing the relativisation of values, attempts to distort them, slow and inconsistent institutional responses, and the shifting of responsibility. That is why these phenomena require a systemic and coordinated response,” said Daliborka Uljarević, Executive Director of the Centre for Civic Education.

She reminded everyone present that the research conducted by CCE shows that 65.7% of citizens from the general population believe that peer violence is present, while 44.2% know a victim. Among secondary school students, 89% recognise violence to some extent in their own environment, 21.6% are personally victims, and 53.4% know someone who has been a victim. When it comes to juvenile delinquency, 55.7% of adults see it as present, while every fourth respondent knows a minor in conflict with the law.

“It is clear that no single institution can solve these problems on its own. Continuous cooperation is needed among the education sector, the judiciary, the police, social protection services, the media, and civil society. It is equally important that public discourse does not normalise violence, but instead builds a culture of responsibility, empathy, and mutual respect, with political structures also having an important role to play,” Uljarević concluded.

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Study visit to Novi Sad as a continuation of development and learning

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Anđela Popović, Marta Borović, and Ena Božović, students of Kotor Gymnasium and winners of the debate competition on peer violence organised by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE), stayed in Novi Sad from 20 to 22 March as part of a study visit awarded as the prize for winning first place. During the three-day programme, they gained new knowledge, encountered different perspectives, and further deepened their understanding of social processes.

Their stay in Novi Sad gave them the opportunity to learn more about the work of institutions, important cultural and social initiatives, as well as examples of civic activism, with significant support provided by the partner organisation, the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (ADD).

As part of the programme, a meeting was organised with Saška Radujkov, a member of the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, during which they discussed the work and functioning of the provincial parliament, parliamentary activities, and the European perspective of the region.

“The study trip to Novi Sad was a valuable experience for us, because through various visits and meetings we had the opportunity to see and learn many new things. Every place we visited opened up a different perspective for us and encouraged us to think about many topics more broadly and more deeply than before,” said Marta Borović.

In the cultural part of the programme, the students visited the Gallery of Matica Srpska, one of the most important cultural and artistic institutions in Serbia, where, through interactive guidance and elements of the social game K(Art)e, they became acquainted in a dynamic way with the most important works from the rich collection of this institution. This approach encouraged them to observe more actively and to develop a better understanding of artistic expression.

At the Museum of the City of Novi Sad, they visited the exhibition “Mileva: We Are a Rock”, dedicated to Mileva Marić איינstein, which brings her life and work closer through a contemporary and visually powerful concept. The combination of artistic installations and new technologies further enriched their experience and highlighted the intersection of science, art, and contemporary museology.

The programme also included a tour of Petrovaradin Fortress, one of the most recognisable symbols of Novi Sad.

“For me, the study trip to Novi Sad was an unforgettable experience. Through a carefully designed programme, we became familiar with the historical, cultural, and social context of the city, but also experienced this journey in a truly special and meaningful way. Although the visit was short, our days were filled with numerous activities and new experiences. It meant a great deal to us that the entire programme was so thoughtfully organised, which made us feel comfortable and safe. We are grateful for the opportunity to get to know the culture and history of Vojvodina better through this visit,” said Ena Božović.

An important segment of the visit was devoted to the culture of remembrance and civic responsibility. The students visited the Memorial to the Victims of the Raid at the Quay of the Victims of the Raid, and through a conversation with film director Aleksandar Reljić they further deepened their understanding of the importance of a responsible relationship towards the past. This part of the programme concluded with paying tribute to the victims who lost their lives in the collapse of the canopy at the Railway Station in Novi Sad, as well as learning more about the context of the student protests that followed this tragedy and raised important questions of responsibility, safety, and youth engagement.

“This study visit was particularly important for us because, through its various activities, we gained new knowledge and developed a better understanding of topics we had previously learned about. The direct encounters, visits, and conversations enabled us to look at certain social, cultural, and historical issues from several different angles,” said Anđela Popović.

The programme also included a visit to Kulturanova, one of the most active non-governmental organisations working in the fields of youth engagement and the arts. During the meeting with Jelena Božić, Programme Coordinator, the students learned more about the work of this organisation, as well as about the opportunities the civil sector offers to young people, especially through initiatives that encourage creativity, participation, and social responsibility.

The study visit was carried out as part of the project “SRCE: Supporting the Empowerment and Resilience of Young People Today”, which the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) is implementing in cooperation with ADD from Novi Sad, with financial support from the European Union and co-financing from the Ministry of Public Administration.

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Urgent Demand to Prosecute Those Responsible for Threats Against Vuk Cvijić

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Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the threats directed at Radar weekly journalist Vuk Cvijić following the publication of an article in that outlet. A call from an unknown number from abroad containing an unequivocally threatening message represents yet another piece of evidence that journalists in Serbia are systematically exposed to pressure, intimidation, and direct threats—particularly when they address issues of public interest that touch upon the links between government, organized crime, and corruption.

It is especially alarming that Vuk Cvijić himself has indicated that the threats originate from criminal circles that enjoy either open or tacit support from the current authorities. This assessment is not isolated; it fits into a long-standing pattern of governance in which critical journalists are targeted, discredited, and placed at risk—first through campaigns in pro-government media, and subsequently through direct threats and physical attacks in public spaces.

Responsibility for the atmosphere in which such attacks are possible lies directly with Aleksandar Vučić. For years, dating back to the period surrounding the murder of Slavko Ćuruvija and the events that preceded it, a narrative has been systematically constructed in Serbia portraying independent journalists as “enemies of the state,” “foreign mercenaries,” or “traitors.” Such rhetoric from the highest levels of power legitimizes violence and encourages criminal structures to assume the role of enforcers of threats.

ADD demands an urgent and serious response from the prosecution authorities, including the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the threats against Vuk Cvijić, as well as an end to the public targeting of journalists by officeholders and pro-government media. Freedom of the media is not an abstract principle; it is a fundamental precondition for the safety of any society. Every threat against a journalist is a threat against the public and a direct attack on democracy.

ADD expresses full solidarity with Vuk Cvijić and the Radar editorial team, reaffirming that intimidation will not and must not silence those who work in the public interest.

Novi Sad, 19 December 2025

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