BASEES Statement on Recent Developments in Belarus

The British Association for Slavonic and East European Studies (BASEES) notes with grave concern events in Belarus following the 9 August presidential election. As a professional association of scholars involved in Slavonic and East European studies, we are concerned about the impact of recent events on intellectual freedom, including the academic activities of our members and colleagues in Belarus.

The Association notes that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has ‘condemned the violent response of the Belarusian authorities to the peaceful demonstrations held across the country’ following the election.

Reports of the harsh treatment by state actors of Belarusian citizens – including electoral candidates and those taking part in protests – in the days since the election clearly conflict with the country’s claim to be a ‘democratic, social state based on the rule of law’ (Article 1 of the 1994 Constitution). The Association calls on the Belarusian authorities to respect the values outlined in the Constitution, including the importance of free and fair elections, as well as the humane treatment of citizens by the police and other security forces.

The Association also notes the detention in Minsk on 12 August of Stas Gorelik – a PhD student at George Washington University (USA). The principle of academic freedom is key to the constitutional values noted above.

Dr Matthias Neumann (BASEES President)

BASEES National Committee