Police raid on University of Belgrade prompts protest, concern over academic freedom

The Criminal Police Directorate (UKP) of the Serbian Ministry of Interior searched the premises of the rectorate of the University of Belgrade on 31/03/2026, prompting protests from students and citizens.

The search, during which documents and computers were seized, comes after the body of a 25-year-old student was found on campus grounds on 26/03/2026.

The University of Belgrade has been at the centre of protests against the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), and the government has tried to link the recent death to the demonstrations. Nobody has been charged with any crime and there is no evidence that anybody was with the student when she died.

The university and the rectorate, Vladan Đokić, have pledged full cooperation with the investigation. Đokić claimed in a speech to protestors outside the university on 31/03/2026 that the raid came without prior announcement and clear legal justification.

Many European universities and Serbian citizens have concerns about the preservation of university autonomy and academic freedom in the wake of the raid.