Bojana Đačić, the director of the Stevan Samardžić City Library in Pljevlja, submitted her resignation today to senior librarian Marija Knežević, who has devoted nearly two decades of her career to the library.

This news was verified by the Trade Union Organization of the Stevan Samardžić National Library.

Last year, several protests were organized by some staff members, including Knežević, who voiced concerns over what they claimed was the unlawful conduct of Director Đačić.

“Dear citizens, students, parents, our dedicated readers, esteemed professors, cultural workers, and councilors of the Pljevlja Municipal Assembly, today, on Savindan, January 27, our colleague Marija Knežević, senior librarian, professor of Serbian language and literature, editor of the esteemed library magazine ‘Ljetopis’, cultural activist, and a long-time advocate for the rights and dignity of the Serbian language in Montenegro, was dismissed from the National Library ‘Stevan Samardžić’. She was handed her resignation by Bojana Đačić, the Library Director, who was appointed as a teacher from Strahov Do, a long-standing member of the DPS, and known publicly for being ousted from her role as director of the ‘Ristan Pavlović’ Elementary School in Pljevlja for disrespecting national sentiments of the Bosniak community,” the union organization stated.

The union claims that Đačić, “after taking on the role of Library Director without prior experience in the city’s cultural landscape or even basic knowledge of librarianship, has already committed multiple substantial legal infringements within the institution, which have been identified by the Labor Inspectorate.”

“This act represents not just an assault on Marija Knežević as an individual, but also on all individuals who cherish their principles, integrity, and professional dignity. This situation extends beyond a mere breach of human dignity; it represents a threat to existential security, leading to severe repercussions for all library staff. Marija Knežević, a devoted employee and guardian of cultural values, has fallen victim to the director’s caprice and political motivations, which have transformed the National Library into something resembling a ‘reality show’. We pose the question: who will be the next target of unquenchable aspirations, hubris, ignorance, and political sycophants? What further incidents must occur before the relevant authorities responsible for upholding professional and humane standards in cultural institutions finally take action and halt ongoing abuses? Will they persist in their silence and permit this unprecedented intimidation to proceed, or will they finally respond to safeguard the dignity of all staff members at this vital institution? “Freedom, truth, and the defense of the fundamental human rights of every individual—including a respected intellectual and mother of three—are invaluable,” the statement emphasized.

The trade union organization pledged to keep the public updated on their future actions in a timely manner.

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