More than five years ago I documented in great detail plagiarism in the PhD thesis of current Serbian Finance minister Siniša Mali. Finally, now, academic standards and the autonomy of the Belgrade University won over political influence – the Belgrade University acknowledged the blatant plagiarism and annulled the thesis. The whole process, which sadly took over 5 years, fundamentally made the Belgrade University a better place. As a consequence of this, the largest and best higher education institution in Serbia made plagiarism checks and online publication of all PhD theses mandatory for the first time.

Over the last five years, in spite of the fact that I have no political ambitions, I was exposed to tabloid smear campaigns, threats and requests for firing. Media machinery run by the Serbian government acused me of being Mafia leader and has tried to present my fight for the academic honesty, which is in essence fight for the future of the Belgrade University, as a personal vendetta even though my personal or business paths have never crossed with the authors of annulled PhD thesis. A small example of how hard this may be also demonstrated how worthy this cause is. May it be the rule and not an exception.

The way Serbian society treats Belgrade University which is a home to more than 100.000 students will in great deal determine the development of the Serbian society as a whole. The destiny of the oldest, largest and the best Serbian university should be in the hands of its students and professors and out of reach of politicians. Serbia is a country full of talented young people. In order for this talent to reach its full potential, academic honesty, integrity and independence of the Belgrade University have to be preserved.

I believe in Serbia’s potential, future and its people. To all the supporters, friends and family who stood brave by my side during these trying years and months, I have nothing but love. Thank you also to EBS for the support and encouragement to fight for academic standards.

“The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.”  — Winston Churchill