‘They Added Them To Database, But Did Not Call For Interrogation’

Belarusian border guards have questions for students studying abroad.

Some students who return to Belarus for the winter holidays are stopped by security forces at the border. In particular, they are interested in why they entered foreign universities and check their smartphones. Information about interrogations at the border appeared in a closed student Telegram chat, a source told CityDog.io.

The publication was unable to confirm this information in other, open, student chats.

Nevertheless, one of the users left a comment on the publication's Instagram confirming their interest in the students: “A friend who is studying full-time and with permanent residence was questioned at the border during passport control. The name of the university and faculty, when he entered, paid/free and whether he has permanent residence. They added them to the database, but didn't call them in for questioning,” (the message has been slightly edited).

How to answer questions from security forces?

Lawyer Sviatlana Halauniova advises answering questions from security officials truthfully, but not giving too much information.

— There is nothing criminal about the fact that a person is studying, for example, in Poland. In addition, those who call you for a conversation already know that the student is studying abroad. In this case, you can say that you chose a Polish university because you like the specialty.

You should not say anything about political motives and scholarships that are allocated to support repressed students. You should also not say that you planned to go to Poland and studied the language for this.

Stick to the truth, but do not give too much information. Also, do not sign any papers unless the conversation was an official interrogation.

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