SPUCG: We condemn targeting and attacks on students as well as the abuse of their activities

SOURCE: ANTENA M - AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS

The Student Parliament of the University of Montenegro (SPUCG) strongly condemns all forms of targeting and attacks on students by politicians and other social actors.

"We consider any attempts to discredit or intimidate students who exercise their right to free expression and peaceful assembly unacceptable," the statement reads.

They recall that students, like all citizens, have the constitutional right to publicly express their dissatisfaction and to organize themselves in order to achieve legitimate goals, especially when it comes to solving social problems. In this context, the Student Parliament, as they state, provides full support to initiatives that seek to improve our society through peaceful and democratic methods.

"We also condemn media attacks on students, including unfounded accusations and harsh words uttered without any evidence. Such actions do not contribute to constructive dialogue and only further polarize society, which we must avoid at all costs.

This position particularly refers to the recent attacks on members of the informal student group "Where to Tomorrow?", who organized protests in Montenegro. Instead of addressing the essential issues raised by the students, certain political actors have decided to attack the personality and integrity of our colleagues, which we consider extremely inappropriate.

On the other hand, we also want to condemn any type of abuse of student activities by political entities, especially those aimed at collecting cheap political points and fulfilling the selfish interests of certain groups and individuals," the statement says.

As assessed by the Student Parliament, student protests should be a platform for expressing solidarity and joint efforts to find solutions to pressing social problems. That is, as they add, their starting point should be concrete social changes for the common good, and not contributions to political agendas or interest groups, which is what certain groups, not including students, want to turn them into.

"We call on all social actors, including politicians and the media, to refrain from further attacks on students and instead support young people in their efforts to contribute to positive changes in our society. Only through constructive dialogue and mutual respect can we build a better future for all," the statement concludes.