International Education Week: Advocating for Academic Freedom in Belarus
Following a 2020 presidential election marred by accusations of electoral fraud, there have been widespread protests across Belarus supporting democracy that have been met with a violent crackdown by authorities. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch cite "harassment and intimidation resulting in mass detentions and criminal cases against peaceful protesters." Government repression in Belarus has targeted universities with the expulsion of students and the firing of professors that participate in peaceful protests. Academics and students face detention, criminal charges, and imprisonment with many forced to flee the country for their own safety. Graduate student Alena Buinskaya shares her personal experiences advocating for democracy in Belarus and ways the local academic community can get involved. Advocacy information available at the Belarus Freedom Forum.