Belarusian Teenagers Studying in Poland Being Summoned for KGB Interviews, Viasna Says

Belarusian teenagers planning to study in Poland have begun being summoned for interviews with the KGB, the Viasna Human Rights Centre reported.

According to the rights group, the interviews involve both students already enrolled at Polish educational institutions and those preparing documents to leave for their studies. Summonses may also be issued shortly after applicants submit documents for a visa.

According to Viasna, those summoned include minors, who attend the interviews in the presence of their parents. KGB officers ask about the name of the educational institution, tuition fees, the reasons why education may be free for foreign students, as well as future plans, the chosen field of study and the student’s circle of acquaintances in Poland.

Particular attention is paid to contacts with other Belarusians living abroad. During the interviews, officers may ask about classmates and fellow students, Telegram chats, surnames, telephone numbers and people residing outside Belarus, the report says.

KGB officers may also examine or photograph the contents of mobile phones and Telegram conversations. At the same time, the interviews are said to take place without pressure.

According to the human rights group, the purpose of these meetings may be to assess possible involvement in activities that the Belarusian authorities consider “destructive”. Viasna believes the practice is becoming increasingly widespread, partly because of the large number of Belarusian citizens studying at Polish secondary schools.