Корпус Европейского гуманитарного университета в Вильнюсе. Фото: 34travel.me
Human rights organization Viasna says it is aware of more than 60 searches conducted at the homes of graduates, students and other people connected with the university, as well as their relatives.
The searches continued on Thursday. Security officers have also visited people at their workplaces, while some individuals have received phone calls requesting that they appear for questioning.
Belarus’ Supreme Court previously designated the European Humanities University (EHU), which operates in Vilnius, along with its structural units, as an “extremist organization.”
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the university prepares Belarusian youth “to implement Western scenarios for transforming the political system, promoting so-called democratic values and ‘alternative’ interpretations of historical, cultural and other events.”
Human rights defenders earlier reported that a criminal case had been opened under articles covering assistance to and financing of “extremist activity.” As part of the investigation, searches are being conducted across the country targeting people associated with the university.
Investigators are reportedly interested in tuition payments made to the university since 2016.