Ales Krauchenia expelled from Baranavichy State University

A week ago the administration of Baranavichy State University issued the order for expulsion of the student Ales Krauchenia from the fifth year of the faculty of engineering. On 14 July the activist had to take his documents away from the university.

On 25 March 2008 Ales was arrested in Baranavichy for participation in the unauthorized procession dedicated to the 90-ieth anniversary of Belarusian People’s Republic. After the detention and a trial, as a result of which he was fined 350 000 rubles (about $164), Alexander Akulau, the dean of Krauchenia’s faculty warned him that he would have troubles during his summer exams.

Another reason for the expulsion can be a highly critical interview to the local newspaper Intex-press about the pro-governmental ‘state NGO’ Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM).

The military enlistment office of Baranavichy immediately paid interest to the activist after the expulsion. On 11 July a representative of the committee came to Krauchenia’s home and handed to him a writ to a medical commission, for 15 July 2008.