Instead of a student’s bench, young people get to a dock. The students detained recently, were tried yesterday. For some of them, the school year did not begin with traditional potatoes or classes, but behind bars.
For participation in a peaceful, calm student march, most of the detained young people received from 5 to 20 days of arrest, some received fines from 10 to 25 basic units. At the same time, most of the court sessions were held via Skype, which is not provided for by Belarusian legislation and is a violation of the procedural rights of those on trial, says human rights activist Natallya Satsunkevich.
Students are being tried for violating the law on public events. But they can’t jail everyone, the students say and continue their protest and call the leadership of the schools for a conversation. But security officials come instead of rectors. Students say to them: “Get away!” And the “Long live Belarus!” slogan sounded even stronger.
The threat of expulsion hangs over active students. In such a case, they can go study to the universities of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania. Those expelled for political reasons are offered free tuition and scholarships.
Volha Starastsina/Belsat
