Andrei Sannikov: “Volha Syankova’s deed gives hope to all of us”
- 5.06.2008, 14:27
The former deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and presently the international coordinator of the Charter’97 press-center Andrei Sannikov, who vacated the office in November 1996, protesting against the illegal referendum, comments on the deed of the headmaster of Salihorsk school No.4 Volha Syankova.
“It is a very courageous act, and it can be only welcomed. It gives hope to all of us, the hope that there are honest people in the country, who are ready to defend not only their dignity. In this case it was dignity of one’s pupils. Such people can be and should be an example. Unfortunately, recently we hear about such deeds less and less often. We know that many people are dissatisfied with the existing system, but they are choosing a conformist’s way of time-serving. I think that in this or that way it will tell on them, as it is impossible to believe other things and serve this regime, it is impossible to live double life for a long time., It is difficult psychologically and even physically,” Sannikov said to Radio Svaboda.
Andrei Sannikov recalled his feelings when he vacated the office as a sign of protest. As said by him, it was very difficult psychologically, as he had to “severe many ties”, “habitual life”. “But at the same time I started to feel pride, as I acted according to conscience, and a freedom from a burden, as it was not necessary for me to act against my conscience any more,” the politician said.
“For instance, the Foreign Ministry was demanded to be on the side of the illegitimate actions of the regime and explain one’s partners and friends that as a result of the referendum the situation in Belarus would improve. I found it impossible for me to do so,” Sannikov noted.
As we have informed, the educational department of Salihorsk town executive committee adopted an illegal decision to expel one of the leaders of Salihorsk branch of the Young Front Ivan Shyla from the secondary school No.4 “for his active public work”, though the administration of the school was against such a decision.
Headmaster Volha Syankova retired in protest. Her assistant was dismissed for “unsatisfactory educational work”. After that teachers unanimously voted to expel Ivan Shyla from the school.
It happened before the final exam in English. In order to prevent the boy from attending the exam a police guard was sent to the school.