In a concerning development, Belarusian authorities have intensified their crackdown on dissent by targeting educators associated with an online teaching project. This action is part of a broader pattern of suppression in the country, which has been ongoing for nearly three decades under the leadership of Alexander Lukashenko.
According to Pavel Sapelka, a representative of the Viasna human rights organization, numerous teachers have faced detention or questioning since September 2024. These educators were participants in an online educational initiative called Adukavanka, which the Belarusian KGB labeled as an extremist group in August 2024.
Adukavanka, which attracted hundreds of teachers, provided guidance on educational innovations and offered lesson plan suggestions. In response to the crackdown, the project advised its Belarus-based subscribers to cancel their registrations, stating, "Strong education is done with brains, not with truncheons."
This recent targeting of educators is part of a larger trend of suppressing opposition and independent media in Belarus. The situation escalated significantly following the disputed 2020 presidential election, which resulted in Lukashenko securing his sixth term in office. The aftermath saw widespread protests and a severe government response, leading to over 65,000 arrests, with many individuals reportedly subjected to police brutality.
Belarus, often referred to as "Europe's last dictatorship," has been under Lukashenko's rule since 1994. The country, with a population of about 9.4 million, has maintained close ties with Russia and retained many Soviet-era policies and symbols. Despite having a literacy rate of nearly 100%, Belarus has faced international criticism and sanctions due to human rights concerns and lack of press freedom.
The ongoing crackdown has resulted in the imprisonment or exile of all significant opposition figures. This situation highlights the challenges faced by civil society and educational initiatives in a country where the state exerts strong control over various aspects of public life, including the economy and media.
As Belarus continues to grapple with these issues, the international community remains concerned about the state of human rights and democratic freedoms in the country. The targeting of educators, in particular, raises questions about the future of academic freedom and innovative teaching practices in Belarus.
"Strong education is done with brains, not with truncheons."