University of Zenica court ruling annuls rector dismissal

The Municipal Court in Zenica has annulled decisions made by the Governing Board of the University of Zenica regarding the dismissal of the rector. The ruling affirms that the Governing Board lacks the legal authority to remove the rector, a stance previously supported by the Cantonal Court in Zenica and the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding academic autonomy.

In response to the ongoing dispute, the University's Governing Board has raised concerns regarding the management of the institution under Rector Jusuf Duraković. The Board alleges that the rector has refused to implement their decisions for over two years and has failed to maintain financial accountability.

Specific allegations of financial irregularities include a budget overrun of 130,922 KM in 2025 and the misappropriation of 9,779.15 KM intended for scientific publication fees to co-organize a metallurgy congress. Additionally, the Board cited the unauthorized engagement of a specific law firm despite an existing annual contract with another provider.