2004 press releases

Belarusian Steps Against Academic Freedom, Right Of Assembly (July 23, 2004)

The United States is deeply concerned about the ongoing repression of civil society in Belarus, particularly the Belarusian government's current assault on academic freedom and the right of assembly.

On July 21, the Belarusian government informed the European Humanities University, a respected private institution of higher learning, that it would terminate the lease on the building housing most of European Humanitarian University's academic programs and facilities. This step, along with continuing Belarusian government attempts to force European Humanitarian University's rector, Anatoly Mikhailov, to resign, will require European Humanitarian University to suspend its operations, jeopardizing the future of the university, its students and faculty, along with its vital contributions to intellectual thought and academic freedom in Belarus.

Likewise, on July 21, Belarusian police violently dispersed a large demonstration of pro-democracy activists in Minsk, arresting dozens when they attempted to unfurl banners.

The action against European Humanitarian University and the violent dispersal of the demonstration are the latest in a series of measures that demonstrate Belarusian authorities' obstructionism towards developing of a democratic society and improving relations with the Trans-Atlantic community. We urge Belarus to immediately cease its efforts to dismantle the European Humanities University and to halt the violent suppression of the legitimate right of its citizens to assemble and express their political views. It is imperative that the Belarusian authorities cease their campaign against civil society and independent voices in Belarus if they hope to have a constructive dialogue with the United States and our European partners.