Belgrade Airport or Prison for Intellectuals?
Imagine this: Miguel Ángel Beltrán Villegas, a professor from Colombia’s National University, arrives in Novi Sad to participate in the 58th Congress of Americanists, and instead of a warm welcome, he gets detained! Yes, you read that right. Serbian authorities arrested him, along with Professor Natalia Caruso and their minor children, at the airport, accusing him of terrorism without any legal process.
Blacklists and Political Profiling?
Colombian President Gustavo Petro exploded with anger: Serbia must explain why it is detaining our intellectuals! Even worse, Petro claims there are blacklists tracking Colombians based on their political opinions, possibly created by the Colombian government itself. This is a direct attack on human rights and freedom of thought.
An International Scandal Brewing
Human rights organizations immediately called on international bodies to intervene and protect Professor Beltrán. Serbia has yet to provide any explanation, and the case is already shaking diplomatic relations. Is this the start of a new trend in Europe – detaining intellectuals for their views?
Why Is This Happening?
Does Serbia really have such blacklists? Who made them? And why now, when Professor Beltrán came to attend a scientific conference? This is not just one man’s case but a warning to everyone who believes in freedom of speech and academic freedom.
What’s Next?
The Colombian president clearly stated: we are halting all biometric data transfers of Colombians to foreign states until this case is clarified. This is a serious accusation and a call to action.
Conclusion
While Serbia remains silent, the world watches. Will justice be served? Or will Professor Beltrán remain a victim of political games and repression? Drop a comment if you think this is just the tip of the iceberg or if freedom of thought is under threat worldwide.
Because if this can happen to one professor, what awaits all of us?
Jump into the conversation – should Serbia answer or is this just a misunderstanding?
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