Harry Pahanyaila: Ban on political parties in Belarusian universities violates Constitution

Experts say the Belarusian authorities want to get rid of representatives of opposition parties in educational establishments.

A ban on activity of political parties in Belarusian universities is to be imposed. The draft Code of Education includes this norm, head of the parliamentary commission for education, culture, science and technical progress Uladzimir Zdanovich says.

Experts of “Zavtra Tvoey Strany” discuss what will happen to BRSM and Belaya Rus, the pro-governmental organizations, and why this norm violates the Constitution.

Head of the United Civil Party Anatol Lyabedzka says there are no organized departments of opposition parties in Belarusian universities and schools.

“At the same time the republican association Belaya Rus (White Rus), which is in fact a political institution, has its branches everywhere. Moreover, if teachers, members of the UCP, are forced to quit from the party under threats of dismissal, people are made to join Belaya Rus,” the politician emphasized.

According to Lyabedzka, the ban on activity of political parties in universities won’t concern pro-governmental organizations. The UCP leader says, the MPs should think not about imposing bans, but on improving educational standards in the country.

Head of the legal commission of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee Harry Pahanyaila reminds that officially, political and party pluralism is declared in Belarus.

“Imposing a ban on activity of political parties in universities violates the acting Constitution and Belarus’s international obligations, as parties are institutes of civil society,” the head of the BHC legal department says.

He thinks a list of depoliticized institutions should be limited and a clear definition should be given in the law on NGOs.