PRESS RELEASE – The University of Zenica has a legitimate rector: We reject political pressures and disinformation

The University of Zenica strongly rejects the continuous spread of falsehoods by certain media and political centers of power, which intentionally deceive the public by claiming that the University of Zenica does not have a legal rector or legal representative. These claims are not only false - they are also dangerous, because they represent a gross interference of politics in the autonomy of the University, directly threatening the work, stability and legality of higher education in the Zenica-Doboj Canton.

The competent municipal court rejected the request  Management Board to delete the rector from the court register, which confirmed that the attempts to remove him were legally unfounded and were finally rejected. On June 11, 2025, the University of Zenica received a valid extract from the court register clearly stating  that Prof. Dr. Jusuf Duraković represents the University of Zenica as the legal rector and sole authorized legal representative (Attachment: Current and introduction from the court register).

Furthermore, we remind the public that the valid Law on the Public Institution University of Zenica, in Article 19, expressly stipulates that the rector is appointed and dismissed by the Senate.  Accordingly, the Senate has made the appointment, and the Rector performs his duties on the basis of a lawful appointment, registration in the court register and confirmation of the mandate by the University Senate. All attempts to the contrary represent an illegal encroachment on the competence of the highest academic body – the Senate – and are a direct blow to the legal order. The University of Zenica continues to perform all its academic, administrative and scientific functions without hindrance, including teaching, examinations and final studies, and continues to fulfill its obligations to students, employees and partners at full capacity.

Unfortunately, despite clear legal and judicial facts, certain media reports continue to disseminate incorrect information, which creates additional pressure on the work of the University. It is also extremely worrying that public announcements about the suspension of salary payments to employees are appearing, which would constitute a violation of the law and seriously violate the rights of employees. We warn that the instrumentalization of budget funds as a means of political pressure violates the fundamental right of employees to work and receive a salary, which may have serious legal consequences for all participants in such actions.

The University of Zenica has officially warned the current Minister of Finance of the Canton of Zenica on two occasions, as the person most responsible for finances, that any attempt to withhold employees' salaries would be qualified as a criminal offense, for which all those participating in its execution would be held specifically liable.

With the aim of protecting legality and institutional autonomy, The University of Zenica has initiated an administrative dispute against the decision of the relevant ministry.. We believe that respect for the rule of law is the foundation of a democratic society and that the legal order cannot be put at the service of political interests nor must it be held hostage to political arbitrariness. We call on the academic community, students, media and citizens to recognize the seriousness of the situation and support the preservation of institutional autonomy, legality and freedom of university activity, which are the foundation of every democratic and educated community. The University of Zenica remains consistent with its academic mission - education, science and social responsibility. We will not allow the University to become an instrument of political influence, nor a subsidiary of any political party. Our obligation is education, not obedience.

Zenica, June 18, 2025.

extract from the court register - UNZE