Maxim Viniarski: Approximately 200 People Gathered At University Gates

People dressed in civilian clothing stand near the iron gate closing the passage to the main building of the university.

The charter97.org site was informed about that by the “European Belarus” Coordinator Maxim Viniarski, who takes part in the students’ rally that is held in the center of Minsk today.

“At the moment the participants of the rally stand near the iron gate closing the passage to the main building of the university. The gate is closed, the security service of BSU and some people in civilian clothes, most likely belonging to the BSU administration, do not let the protesters to come closer to the main building. May be they would have let the BSU students to come up to the building, but there are also students from other universities and journalists. And they are not wanted there. One man was holding a placard; he was detained and an administrative offence report was filed against him. In total, approximately 200 people gathered near the gate”, - Maxim Viniarski informed.

It is to be reminded that more than 200 students in Minsk demand to abolish the fees for retaking of tests and exams and to establish a real student government. The rally takes place in the center of the Belarusian capital.

We remind that the controversy between the students and the administration of the BSU arose after the plans to impose fees for repeating of tests and exams were announced at the university. University students were outraged at such a prospect. Students have gathered over 2500 signatures against the innovations, and protest groups emerged in social networks. The participants expressed their intention to file a complaint against the university with the Prosecutor's Office, if fees for repeating of tests and exams are introduced.

Despite the protests of November 12, the rector of the Belarusian State University has signed a regulation on taking fees for repeating of tests and exams.

In response, activists have planned to hold a March of Students in Minsk on December 2. From 300 to 500 people are expected to join it. On November 26 on the website of the event the rector of the university was invited to the march.