VMU Condemns the Events in Belarus and Calls for Unity
Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) has voiced its concern over the events in Belarus, condemning the Belarusian government’s actions that restrict human rights and expressing solidarity with the European Humanities University (EHU) and other institutions that aim to remedy the complicated situation.
“Such violent attacks trample on international law. Acts committed by undemocratic regimes are a matter of considerable concern. Vytautas Magnus University has spoken up numerous times before and will reiterate its position: the events in Belarus are reprehensible and inconceivable. The fundamental values have been infringed, allowing no room for human rights, dignity and freedom of the press. We have terminated cooperation with Belarusian universities that support the regime and stand in solidarity with those who seek to change the complicated situation”, Vytautas Magnus University’s Rector Prof. Juozas Augutis said.
Calls for the Growing Criminal Regime to be Stopped
Members of the VMU academic community say that they cannot tolerate a totalitarian regime which has been emerging in a neighbouring country with strong historical ties to Lithuania and which has been threatening the security of both Lithuania and the entire Europe. “It is not all the same to us! Our colleagues, students, friends and loved ones live and work in Belarus. We find it unacceptable when the usurper Lukashenko, his authoritarian government and amoral power structures torture and imprison our friends, academics and students, artists and workers, when they suppress our colleagues’ freedom of speech, repress civic initiatives by force, hijack airplanes in acts of international terrorism and engage in psychological violence. We are ashamed and angered by the dictator’s courts, which ignore their own Constitution and election results and persecute peaceful citizens while hiding the criminals in uniform. We call for all universities and European governments to stop the growing criminal regime together!”, Prof. Gintautas Mažeikis from the VMU Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy said.
According to Prof. Robert Van Voren, the head of the VMU Andrei Sakharov Research Center for Democratic Development, the events on Sunday, when the Ryanair plane was diverted to Misk, show the acuteness of the situation and the level of repression the Lukashenko regime has unleashed on society. “Gradually we are facing a regime that sees no other way to retain power but by instilling terror. Usually, that is a sign of impending change, but very difficult days are ahead. In particular, young people who refuse to live in a dictatorial – and gradually even totalitarian – society will face severe repression and challenges. This has far-reaching psychological impact on them and their loved ones, and they will need our full support. None of our Belarusian students are safe, and they all need moral, psychological and in some cases material support. VMU stands by them and will do whatever is possible”, Prof. Van Voren emphasised.
VMU professor claims that Lukashenko has crossed yet another line and, by implying strength, has shown his enormous weakness. “Without Moscow’s protection, he would have already been in the garbage heap of history. Alas, Moscow is facing quite a similar challenge and has no choice but support and condone his state terrorism. It will get worse, not only in Belarus but also in Russia, and I fear that Belarus is a “training ground” for Russia. The days of the Stalinist NKVD are back, and we better brace ourselves and put on our seatbelts for a very risky ride”, he warned.
Support for and Solidarity with Affected Students
VMU is extending its solidarity and support to the European Humanities University, with which Vytautas Magnus University has cooperated ever since its move to Lithuania. “Our joint bachelor degree programme of World Politics and Economy was launched at the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy (FPSD) in 2014. Also, last year we have started developing a master degree programme for Belarusian students. People who have been persecuted and detained have studied here, including social activist Valeriya Volkogonova, who was imprisoned for a long time, Vadzimir Zarankin, employee of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus who has been persecuted and is awaiting judgment, and Volha Pavuk, a popular Belarusian political blogger who has been living in Lithuania and studying at VMU since mid-September. The regime has also harmed a former student of the FPSD, critic of Lukashenko’s regime Mikhalai Dziadok”, VMU Vice-Rector for Communication Assoc. Prof. Vilma Bijeikienė noted. Vytautas Magnus University has established a support fund for Belarusian students who were removed from higher education schools in Belarus for civic and (or) political reasons, or who were persecuted and are unable to continue studies or have terminated them. Currently there are 67 Belarusians studying at VMU, 17 of whom are supported by the Belarusian Students’ Support Fund.
The academic youth of Belarus is one of the biggest threats to Lukashenko’s regime, which is why many of the repressions are aimed against it. The VMU community is prepared to expand its support to Belarusian students who cannot continue studies at their universities because of their opposition to the regime. “We will invite the Belarusian students who have been affected to join VMU lectures conducted remotely and we will contact international academic organizations with the proposal to support the Belarusian students’ struggle for democracy in their country”, VMU Rector said.
