Russia: European University in St. Petersburg Resumes Classes

A Russian court has allowed the European University in St. Petersburg to resume classes after a temporary suspension for alleged fire safety violations. The European University’s closure last month prompted widespread international criticism, with many observers claiming that the authorities might have used fire violations as a pretext to punish the university for its EU-sponsored election monitoring course.
Alert Update - Russia

Russia
Date: 27 Mar 2008
Source: International Herald Tribune
Source classification: Media Article
Violation(s): University Reopened
According to the International Herald Tribune, the Dzerzhinsk District Court last Friday lifted restrictions on its operations, saying it was satisfied that no more fire safety rules were being violated.   BACKGROUND INFORMATION: On Friday 8 February 2008 the European University in St. Petersburg was closed down for violating fire-safety regulations. A court ordered that all academic work be stopped and classrooms be sealed for a minimum of 90 days. The sudden closure of this prominent university has alarmed many in the academic community in Russia and around the world. There were concerns that the University was closed because it reportedly ‘trained election observers’ with a grant from the European Union. The university had previously awarded a £500,000 EU grant to run a project designed to advise Russia’s political parties on matters such as how to ensure elections are not rigged. Western nations had accused the Russian government of backtracking on democracy, but the Kremlin swiftly dismissed the criticism and claimed the West was meddling in Russian politics.   URGENT NEAR cannot continue without your support. NEAR depends on the generosity of people like you. To make a contribution, please: - Send us a cheque payable to NEAR - Or make a donation by visiting www.paypal.com. Please make your donation payable to:   NEAR London South Bank University Technopark 90 London Road SE1 9LN, London, UK Email address: jonathan.travis@nearinternational.org -END-
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