Co-Founders of the New South Institute and our senior researchers, Ivor Chipkin and Jelena Vidojevic, have added their names to the list of more than 2,000 globally recognised intellectuals, including philosopher Slavoj Žižek, political scientist Francis Fukuyama, economist Thomas Piketty, Annie Ernault, and philosopher Étienne Balibar, who have collectively called for  an urgent appeal demanding a transparent investigation into the disturbing events that took place during the March 15 protest in Belgrade.

The signatories, representing a vast spectrum of academic and literary expertise, have raised serious concerns over reports of a sonic attack deployed against peaceful demonstrators – students, professors, and civilians alike – resulting in mass panic and injuries. Their statement unequivocally condemns the use of non-lethal weapons aimed at instilling fear and suppressing peaceful assembly.

This protest was not merely an expression of dissent but a call for justice in response to a tragic railway station collapse that claimed fifteen lives – a disaster attributed to systemic corruption and institutional failure. In light of this, the protestors demanded accountability, the rule of law, and functioning governance structures to prevent future tragedies.

Adding to these troubling developments, the letter also denounces the intimidation campaign targeting Vladan Đokić, the rector of the University of Belgrade, who has openly defended students’ rights and academic integrity. Pro-regime public figures have escalated their attacks against him, even calling for his arrest in a blatant effort to silence dissent within higher education institutions.

The international academic community, including the NSI, has joined in solidarity with Serbian students and faculty, calling upon Serbian authorities to:

• Conduct an urgent and transparent investigation into the events of March 15.
• Hold those responsible for deploying illegal means against demonstrators accountable.
• Guarantee the safety of students, faculty, and citizens participating in peaceful protests.

The NSI reaffirms its commitment to academic freedom, human rights, and the right to peaceful assembly. We urge universities, research institutions, and networks worldwide to join in condemning this attack and upholding the principles of justice and democracy.

For the full appeal and list of signatories, please see the link here: https://radar.nova.rs/drustvo/zizek-fukujama-balibar-strek-piketi/