Mother of political prisoner Ihar Alinevich loses job

Mrs. Valiantsina Alinevich, the mother of political prisoner Ihar Alinevich, has worked at the Belarusian State Economic University for over 30 years. The administration said that she was a high-level expert, but security forces insisted that her employment contract should be terminated.

According to the woman, all the while she was working honestly and in no way demonstrated her political beliefs. And until last year, she had no problems with the administration of the University. “But this year, I was told that I either refused to protect my son, making statements to the media and kept the job, or they would not extend my contract. For me, it was out of the question! I will never give up my son,” says the mother of political prisoner Ihar Alinevich.

Rector of the Belarusian State Economic University Uladzimir Shymau has been repeatedly involved in the expulsion of students for political reasons.

“He told me that the university has no claims to me, but people come to him – as I understand it, the KGB – who require that I do not work anymore,” says Mrs. Alinevich.