Milićević: When Professors Become Servants of the Regime

Prof. Dr. Vladimir Jakovljević continuously appears on pro-government media, despite our repeated reminders that, as a professor and a physician, he should uphold a certain standard of ethics and morality in his conduct. Yet, he continues to behave recklessly. His latest appearance followed the same pattern, this time labeling his colleagues as “slackers” and criticizing Rector Đokić for refusing to make decisions or take “steps” in negotiations with the Prime Minister without including the students.

If you were truly a professor, you would understand the actions of Rector Đokić. Professors and students together form the university, and both are equally important to its functioning. Mr. Jakovljević, perhaps deep down you are a professor, but you cannot act like one, because we all know you are under blackmail—and a blackmailed man is not a free man. A blackmailed man behaves like a servant to his blackmailer—in this case, the ruling regime, which shapes reality through its own narrative. A blackmailed man obeys “orders,” says what he is told to say, and silently accepts decisions like the illegal decree issued overnight that stripped his colleagues of their salaries.

Freedom, professor, has no price. That is precisely what your colleagues and students are fighting for—freedom, truth, and justice.

Ivana Milićević, President of the Committee for Education

Party of Freedom and Justice, Kragujevac