Appeal of Belarusian Academics Against Violence
The Appeal of Belarusian Academics Against Violence (Belarusian: Зварот супраць гвалту) was a public statement initiated by Belarusian scholars in response to the state’s use of force against peaceful protesters following the 2020 Belarusian presidential election.[1] The appeal stands as a notable example of the Belarusian academic community’s engagement in public affairs and its commitment to democratic values and human rights.
Background
In August 2020, Belarus experienced unprecedented protests after the presidential election, which was widely criticized for irregularities and lack of transparency. The government’s response included mass arrests, police violence, and the suppression of independent media. In this context, Belarusian academics felt compelled to voice their concerns regarding the escalating repression and the erosion of civil liberties.
Content and signatories
The appeal condemned the excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies and called for an end to violence against peaceful demonstrators. It demanded accountability for those responsible for human rights violations, the release of political prisoners, and respect for the rule of law. The document was signed by over 1,000 academics, including professors, researchers, and doctoral candidates from leading institutions such as the Belarusian State University and the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.[2]
The appeal quickly gained attention both within Belarus and internationally, circulating widely through independent media and social networks.[3][4] It became a symbol of solidarity within the academic community and a rallying point for those advocating for justice and democratic reforms.
Impact and response
The Belarusian authorities responded to the appeal with pressure and intimidation directed at the signatories. Many academics faced professional repercussions, including dismissals, threats, and forced exile.[5][6] Despite these challenges, the appeal demonstrated the willingness of Belarusian scholars to take a public stand against injustice and to support the principles of academic freedom and human rights.
Historical significance
The Appeal of Belarusian Academics Against Violence is recognized as a significant act of civic courage and solidarity. It inspired similar initiatives by other professional groups and remains an important reference point in discussions about academic freedom and resistance to authoritarianism in Belarus.[7][8] The legacy of the appeal continues to resonate in ongoing efforts to defend human rights and democratic values in the country.
See also
References
- ^ "Обращение ученых Республики Беларусь" [Appeal of representatives of the scientific community of the Republic of Belarus]. scienceby2020.github.io. Archived from the original on 2022-11-06. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ Владыко, Александр (2020-08-13). "Ученые подписывают обращение против насилия — уже более 1000 человек - Лайфстайл Onlíner" [Scientists Sign Appeal Against Violence — More Than 1,000 Have Joined]. Onlíner (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2023-03-16. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Более 1 тыс. ученых подписали письмо против насилия в Белоруссии". Известия (in Russian). 2020-08-14. Archived from the original on 2022-11-06. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Более тысячи учёных подписали обращение против насилия в Белоруссии". www.mk.ru (in Russian). 2020-08-14. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Облава в Академии наук, КГБ задерживал 44 сотрудников" [Crackdown at the National Academy of Sciences: 44 Staff Members Detained by KGB]. Наша Ніва (in Russian). 2022-11-02. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "How Lukashenko repressed Belarusian scientists who advocated new elections". OUR HOUSE. 2021-08-01. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Вядомы хімік склаў партрэт рэпрэсаванага навукоўца. Некаторыя высновы нечаканыя" [Profile of a Repressed Scientist Analyzed by Prominent Chemist — Some Findings Are Unexpected]. Наша Ніва (in Belarusian). 2023-05-05. Retrieved 2025-06-25.
- ^ "Навуковец патлумачыў феномен рэжыму і ацаніў страты беларускай навукі за час кіравання Лукашэнкі" [Scientist Explains the Regime Phenomenon and Assesses the Losses to Belarusian Science During Lukashenko’s Rule]. Наша Ніва (in Belarusian). 2023-04-17. Retrieved 2025-06-25.