Belarus teachers detained amid crackdown on dissent in 2023

In September 2023, authorities in Belarus began detaining and interrogating teachers as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. This action was linked to an online teacher-education project called Adukavanka, which had been labeled an extremist group by the KGB, Belarus's main security agency, in August. The project aimed to provide educators with guidance on technological innovations and lesson planning, attracting hundreds of participants. The Viasna rights group reported that many teachers involved in this initiative faced repercussions from the government. The crackdown on educators is part of a longstanding pattern of suppression of opposition and independent media in Belarus, particularly under President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. Since the disputed presidential election in 2020, which resulted in widespread protests and allegations of electoral fraud, the government has intensified its efforts to silence dissent. Over 65,000 individuals have been arrested during this period, with many suffering violence at the hands of law enforcement. In response to the escalating situation, Adukavanka advised its subscribers in Belarus to cancel their registrations, highlighting the risks associated with their involvement in the project. The organization emphasized that effective education relies on intellectual engagement rather than coercive measures. This statement reflects the broader struggle for educational freedom and the right to dissent in a repressive political environment. The targeting of teachers signifies a troubling trend in Belarus, where the government seeks to control educational narratives and stifle any potential opposition. As significant opposition figures remain imprisoned or in exile, the situation for educators and activists continues to deteriorate, raising concerns about the future of civil liberties in the country.