European Humanities University / 34travel.me
As of August 17, 2026, human rights defenders know the names of more than 110 students of the European Humanities University and their relatives who have been persecuted in Belarus for studying at EHU. In total, 175 people have faced repression, including affected family members of students, notes the human rights centre Viasna.
Human rights defenders point out that the number of victims may be significantly higher, as the authorities are trying to conceal the repression and people are afraid to share information.
In spring, Belarusian authorities declared EHU, based in Vilnius, an "extremist organisation". After that, security forces launched a mass criminal case for "aiding and financing extremist activities". It was reported that even people who had graduated from EHU ten years ago were being investigated under this case.
Mass searches in the 'EHU case' took place in Belarus at the beginning of June. Human rights defenders say they know of more than 60 searches. In order to pressure students into returning from Lithuania, KGB officers are threatening their parents with criminal prosecution. Students are being demanded to withdraw from EHU within 10 days.
Human rights defenders do not recommend that lecturers, graduates, students, or individuals with any other ties to EHU return to Belarus.
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