CSBiH Cantonal Board: Infringement of autonomy must stop and UNSA must be protected from political-private centers of power

(Patria) - The Cantonal Board of the Party for BiH Sarajevo expresses full support for the University of Sarajevo in its fight to preserve integrity and academic autonomy.

"At this moment, it is more than clear that inadmissible political pressures on the bodies of the University of Sarajevo through the obvious abuse of legal mechanisms represent a serious blow to the autonomy and freedom of academic work, but also to the very foundations of a democratic society. Universities are pillars of knowledge, development, and critical thinking, and must remain free from all forms of political influence and manipulation. Any attempt to endanger the autonomy of the university undermines not only the right to education but also jeopardizes the future of the entire society.

We call on all relevant institutions and their representatives to distance themselves from narrow political and private interests, to respect legal regulations, and to enable the University of Sarajevo to work unhindered in accordance with the law and the universal values and principles of the academic community.

We also call on citizens and the general public to stand together in defense of our oldest and most reputable higher education institution and protect it from attempts at a kind of hijacking by political-private interests of informal, but ever-present centers of power.

The Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina will always be on the side of justice, knowledge, and a free society," the CSBiH Cantonal Board stated.