Press Release, 3.02.2021

Photo: Konstantin Markelov, Rector of Astrakhan State University/ photo from the official website of Astrakhan State University

Yabloko Chairman Nikolai Rybakov, sent an appeal to Konstantin Markelov, Rector of Astrakhan State University, demanding that the unlawfully expelled students be reinstated.

On 29 January, 2021, the Rector expelled three students “in an administrative order” for participation in a peaceful protest action on 23 January, 2021. Two of the students – Violetta Yemelyanenko and Alexander Mochalov – are members of the Youth Yabloko. According to Yabloko, the Rector’s actions are aimed at intimidation and suppression of the freedom of speech, violate their rights to express their own views and beliefs, including the right to assemble peacefully without weapons.

Rybakov noted that the actions of the Rector were unlawful on many grounds. According to the internal regulations of the university and its charter, the basis for expulsion can only be the academic failure of students.

Nikolai Rybakov noted in his letter that, according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, students have the right to freedom of expression of their own views and beliefs, and no one can be forced to express their opinions or completely reject them. All citizens of Russia have the right to assemble peacefully, without weapons, to hold meetings, rallies, processions and pickets.

“I am urging heads of educational institutions not to allow the exclusion of students who took part in political actions. This is contrary to the Constitution, common sense and will lead to radicalisation,” Rybakov wrote.

The Yabloko Party demands that Astrakhan State University comply with the Constitution of the Russian Federation and immediately cancel all three orders dated January 29, 2021 on the expulsion of students for their participation in political actions.