Jane Cento, Master of Legal Sciences: finished a chapter interrupted in 2017

Jane Cento announced on Facebook that he has officially earned a Master of Legal Sciences, posting photos and details from his thesis and thanking family and professors for their support.

From prison sentence to a completed degree

In an emotional Facebook message Cento said he had closed a chapter of his life that was violently interrupted in 2017, when he was deprived of his freedom. According to the materials he shared, his master’s thesis falls within business law and was completed under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Kimo Chavdar.

In his post he wrote: "Today I graduated. Master of Legal Sciences. I closed a chapter that was violently interrupted in 2017, when I was deprived of my freedom. Nine years later, I finished what I started. Endless gratitude to my parents, who never stopped believing in me, and to my mentor, Prof. Dr. Kimo Chavdar, for the support and guidance. Thanks also to Prof. Dr. Marko Andonov and Prof. Dr. Kate Trajkova for their support and contribution. They can take away your years. But they cannot take away your will to continue. Today I put a full stop on one chapter. I continue!"

Cento is one of the people convicted over the April 27, 2017 events in the Parliament; he was initially sentenced to 15 years for "terrorist endangerment of the constitutional order," a sentence the Appellate Court later reduced to 13 years. After spending eight years behind bars, Cento has repeatedly said the trial was rigged and has sought legal rehabilitation.

In recent years he has spoken openly about the family and financial hardships endured during imprisonment and about his determination to complete his education. The Facebook photos show the thesis topic and the names of the professors who supported his work.

Photo: press material from the event