Hundreds of University of Belgrade students protested Friday against the appointment of a dean whom they accuse of sexually assaulting women for years, an unusual occurrence in a country where patriarchal customs persist.
Slavisa Orlovic has faced accusations for over 20 years, but his probable appointment as dean of the political science faculty in Serbia’s capital has led several women to speak out on social media.
Students blocked access to the university and organisers promised further action if Orlovic’s candidacy is approved by the Faculty Council in a decision set for Friday.
“This faculty should show us what true values are, but it has failed,” 28-year-old student Jovana Krstic, who helped organise the protest, told reporters.
In 2014, when Orlovic was serving as vice dean, a female student filed a complaint against him with the university alleging sexual harassment.
He was later removed from the position though the official reason given was unsatisfactory cooperation with the faculty administration.
“If the faculty is represented by a man who has been abusive for over 25 years, why does anyone think he will stop when he gets this position?” said Jelena Riznic of the informal Women’s Solidarity collective that has been posting students’ testimonies on social media for weeks.
The faculty’s current dean, Dragan Simic, voiced support for the protesters.
“As a father of a daughter, I am more than concerned that such things are happening,” said Simic.
“When I say I am shocked, outraged, it’s an understatement. There are not strong enough words in the Serbian language to express what I feel when I hear all these testimonies.”