Student expelled from university for intention to take part in elections

An activist of the organisation “Belarusian Christian Democracy” Tatsyana Shambalava is to be expelled from Mahilyou (Kulyashou) State University.

The formal ground for expelling her is her allegedly poor academic performance. But the activist says that the real reason for expelling her is her political activities.

The regional coordinator of the organizing committee for creation of the “Belarusian Christian Democracy” Tatsyana Shambalava took part in the “election campaign” as a candidate for deputy this year. She was the youngest oppositional candidate. The team of the 21-year-old activist collected 1066 signatures in her support. And the electoral commission of Mahilyou Pramyslovaya constituency didn’t register her, justifying that by the fact that too many invalid signatures were found, Radio Svaboda informs.

“Though I haven’t been registered as a candidate for deputy, but naturally, such students are unwelcomed in Kulyashou Mahilyou State University, as I was nominated not by the Belarusian Respublican Youth Union, but by the United Democratic Forces in its single list,” Tatsyana Shambalava notes. The activist has finished 3 years of the history department.

She wants to study in Belarus, however she believes that after being expelled and her participation in the “elections campaign” she won’t be allowed to do that by the regime. She hopes for assistance of the Committee for defense of the repressed “Solidarity”