Andrei Laurukhin, deputy representative of the United Transitional Cabinet (UTC) for national revival, commented on the introduction of new rules for searching students in Belarusian schools. He said the measures involve not only checking personal belongings but also increased control over children and the militarization of education.
A new procedure for searching school students has been in effect in Belarus since Sept. 1. Under Resolution No. 307 of the Council of Ministers dated June 19, 2026, security personnel may check students’ personal belongings if they suspect prohibited items are present, in the presence of a teacher. Previously, a legal representative had to be present when a minor was searched. The Interior Ministry said the change was necessary to prevent possible incidents. The ministry said searches would not be conducted on all students and that the measures would be selective.
Laurukhin said the problem goes far beyond the searches themselves. He noted that as control in schools increases, the level of military training and ideological influence on students is also rising.
“The main threat is not this, but the escalation and atmosphere of aggression associated with military training, ideological pressure, the overall increase in this level of aggression and the transformation of the school into a prison-type institution,” he said.
Laurukhin also drew attention to the gradual restriction of parents’ access to schools and students’ ability to freely leave educational buildings. In his view, as a result, the school is acquiring characteristics of a regime institution instead of remaining an open and safe space.
He also questioned the legal basis for the searches and the procedures for conducting them, noting that it remains unclear to what extent the new measures comply with students’ rights.
In his view, the authorities themselves contribute to the rise in aggression: children are taught how to handle weapons, involved in military training and ideological activities, and then authorities attempt to address the consequences through even greater control. The UTC representative said increased control could not only fail to solve the security problem but also further worsen the atmosphere in schools.
Belarusian authorities, meanwhile, link increased control to security. The Education Ministry said there had been cases of students being found with prohibited items after the summer holidays.
“These items pose a potential danger to participants in the educational process. Of course, we held discussions. We determined what these items were and why they were brought, and we must conclude that it is necessary to remind all participants in the educational process of the current safety rules, which absolutely everyone must follow. There can be no exceptions. If we act within the framework of implementing the main pedagogical principle of unity between the requirements of the family and the school, then, I am sure, we will be able to ensure the safety of our children,” commented Belarusian Deputy Education Minister Katsiaryna Piatrutskaya.
The authorities also referred to cases of attacks at educational institutions in other countries. It was reported that 74 cases of prohibited items being brought into Belarusian educational institutions were identified in May.
