SDP, DF and GS: Decision of the UNSA Senate is an attack on the principle of separation of state and religion

The Social Democratic Party of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SDP BiH), the Democratic Front (DF) and the Civic Alliance (GS) consider the decision of the Senate of the University of Sarajevo that classes and exams should not be held during Friday prayers, i.e. on Friday afternoon, as an attack on secularism and the principle of separation of religion and state, according to a joint press release from these three parties, Patria reports.

-We believe that the introduction of religious rites into the schedules of lectures and exams is a step towards the suspension of civil rights at the largest public university in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This decision, in fact, effectively bans classes on Friday afternoons.

We also believe that the Senate has thereby shown that it wants to introduce Islamic religious customs as rules of conduct at the University of Sarajevo through the front door. It is quite clear, namely, that no other prayers or customs are taken into account by this decision.

With this decision of the Senate, the University of Sarajevo becomes the first in Europe to introduce religious principles into its organization. There is no doubt that this is not a decision in favor of Muslim believers among the students, but a decision against the silent majority of students who want to attend classes and study normally without religious discipline. This decision, in fact, is not in favor of the religious freedoms of Muslims, who constitute the dominant majority in Sarajevo, but an attack on the rights of non-Muslims.

As parties consistently and permanently committed to a civic Bosnia and Herzegovina, to the equality of all our citizens at every step of our country, we believe that this decision only contributes to further divisions and inequalities. Sarajevo, and not just anyone in Sarajevo but the University, has once again shown through this path that it is not ready, where it can and where the majority enables others, to grant any of what it demands for itself and for 'its own' where they are a minority.

There is also no dilemma that, given the method of electing the Management Board and leadership structures of the University, this is a political decision backed by the SDA. From naming schools after Nazi collaborators and Ustashas to introducing religious rules at a public and secular university, the SDA wants to change this country to its own measure. The result will be a clerical enclave in the heart of Europe, at the cost of the survival of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Because, between the SDA and BiH, the SDA has always chosen the SDA, the SDP, DF and GS state.