Aliaksei Hrachouski, Deputy Representative for Youth Policy of the United Transitional Cabinet, has commented on the persecution of students and staff of the European Humanities University following the designation of the institution as an “extremist organization.”
He stressed that the regime does not have access to student lists and urged people not to keep materials related to EHU and to avoid traveling to Belarus.
“Belarusian students abroad already face numerous challenges, including issues related to legalization. Now political persecution has been added to those difficulties. We are already receiving requests from EHU students regarding the continuation of their studies and pressure from the regime. We review each case individually and help find solutions to specific situations. Our task is to do everything possible to ensure that Belarusian young people can study and develop wherever they choose, rather than live in fear of repression,” he said.
According to Hrachouski, students who need support or consultations can contact the EHU hotline at [email protected], as well as [email protected] or through the form on the website thisisyouth.info.
As previously reported, Belarus’ Supreme Court designated the Vilnius-based European Humanities University (EHU), together with its structural subdivisions, as an “extremist organization”.
The Prosecutor General’s Office claims that the university prepares Belarusian youth “to implement Western scenarios for transforming the political system, promoting so-called democratic values, and advancing ‘alternative’ interpretations of historical, cultural and other events.”
Earlier today, it was reported that security forces had carried out more than 30 searches as part of the ‘EHU case’ across Belarus. The criminal case was opened under articles related to facilitating and financing “extremist activity.” Searches have targeted students, graduates and other individuals connected to the university, as well as their relatives.
