University of Bosnia Suspends Classes during Muslim Prayers

The University of Sarajevo this week adopted a plan to halt activities for about an-hour-and-a-half each Friday during Muslim prayers.

The University of Sarajevo this week adopted a plan to halt activities for about an-hour-and-a-half each Friday during Muslim prayers.

Although the university has also decided not to hold classes during the hours of Catholic and Orthodox worship on Saturdays and Sundays, Milorad Dodic, president of the Bosnian Serb entity Republika Srpska condemned the move.

Dodic said Sarajevo authorities had also banned alcohol on New Year’s Eve.

Three left-wing and liberal political parties including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) also denounced the move.

The university however said the decision was taken with the aim of respecting “human rights and denominational freedoms”.

Around half the population of 3.5 million is Muslim, according to 2013 Census figures published in 2016.