Rijeka must remain a safe space for work, learning, and public action
Joint statement by the University of Rijeka, the Academy of Applied Arts, Croatian National Theatre ‘’Ivan pl. Zajc’’, and the City of Rijeka.
On Monday, June 30, during the announced rehearsal for the performance of Art, not War at the Military Playground on Trsat, students of the Academy of Applied Arts in Rijeka and their professor were exposed to verbal insults, threats of physical violence, disruption of their work, and theft of one part of their equipment. Sentences uttered by unknown adult persons also included expressions calling for violence and insults on various grounds. As a result, the rehearsal had to be ended. These actions violated basic security conditions, disrupted the educational and artistic process, and threatened the sense of dignity and belonging in public space.
Such actions are not acceptable in any social context. When they involve intimidation, humiliation, and coercion, they constitute a serious violation of rights and fundamental values in a civilized community, including freedom of expression, access to education, and the openness of public space for cultural and social work.
In such situations, reactions are often missing, not because of a lack of concern, but because many may not know how to react or do not feel safe to do so. This is precisely why it is important to systematically build a social environment that recognizes the unacceptability of violence, and, even more important, supports, enables, and encourages reactions to violence. Such an environment does not arise spontaneously; it is shaped by education, public action, and everyday practices that we must develop together.
As representatives of educational, cultural, and public institutions, we are aware of our responsibility to respond clearly and decisively to such events. Artistic and educational work must have a guaranteed place in public life – not only in principle, but also through concrete protection and support.
We stand by those affected by the incident and are collaboratively taking steps within our jurisdiction, both concerning this event and in the long term, to ensure a safer, more inclusive and just public space.
Signatories:
Interim Rector of the University of Rijeka, Davor Vašiček
Dean of the Academy of Applied Arts in Rijeka, Hrvoje Urumović
Director of the Croatian National Theatre ”Ivan pl. Zajc”, Dubravka Vrgoč
Mayor of Rijeka, Iva Rinčić
President of the Student Council of the University of Rijeka, Ela Novosel