Rector: Bloc Abrupts The University`s Work

ZAGREB, CROATIA - Rector of Zagreb University Aleksa Bjelis forwarded an open letter to the Centre for Peace Studies and other non-governmental associations, pointing out that students blocking the faculty are not peacefully protesting, because they are taking away the academic rights of other students, therefore the point of locking up the Croatian Studies building on the day of the bloc was meant to preserve these rights and conditions so that the faculty`s obligations could be fulfilled.

Non-governmental associations requested rector Bjelis to end discrimination against students at Croatian Studies and in stead of locking up the faculty building, to enable access to everyone, not just those who oppose the bloc of faculty.

In his note, rector Aleksa Bjelis claims that the protestors` bloc meant abruption of the work of the University, therefore an act with repressive consequences towards other members of the academic community. This is why persons responsible for the faculty`s work are obliged to prevent such attempts.

The rector claims that he requested an extensive report from the head of Croatian Studies Zvonimir Culjak.

- The right to advocate the bloc, as an expression of views, is not questioned, however, an attempt to implement the bloc has no stronghold in the general or university legislative. Therefore, the entrance to the Croatian Studies building is not prevented due to “convictions of free education”, but because of clearly announced intentions of blocking lectures from taking place – rector Bjelis wrote in his note, expressing conviction that non-governmental associations would reconsider their claims and his response.