In early 2014, Kosovo media accused rector Ibrahim Gashi of the University of Pristina and his staff of falsifying research and publishing scientific papers based on that research to bolster their academic credentials.[1] Student protesters were angered after the Assembly failed to pass a vote demanding Gashi's resignation, with a coalition of governmental political parties opposing the move.[2] A spokeswoman for the Kosovo police said that violence began when students began throwing red paint and rocks at responding officers, who then attempted to subdue them with tear gas. Reports state that Thirty police officers were reportedly injured, one with a head injury and several with broken arms or legs. More than 30 students and opposing politicians were arrested.[3]
2014 Student protest in Kosovo | |||
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Date | January and February 2014 | ||
Location | Pristina, Kosovo | ||
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Methods | Escalating peaceful demonstrations | ||
Resulted in | Gashi's resignation | ||
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Casualties and losses | |||
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Clashes between students and Kosovan police began early on 28 January 2014, when dozens of student protesters demanding the resignation of university rector Ibrahim Gashi blocked the entrance to his office. People of all ages (including parents and students from other universities) joined the demonstration, demanding a better quality of life and education for students. Violent confrontations between protesters and police resulted in the arrest of 25 students, and two students were injured.[4] The students were seeking the resignation or dismissal of Gashi, who had reportedly published scientific papers in predatory journals which were based in India.[5] According to Kosovan news sources, professors at the university might have also published in similar journals in other countries.[6]