The leaders of the Moscow Higher School of Social and Economic Sciences (Shaninka) are currently investigating the situation involving the detention of a student in the university building with the aid of a teacher.
About it informs Student Council of Shaninka with respect to the official statement of the School.
“On February 4, at Shaninka, a student from the Faculty of Law, Maria Tillert, was apprehended by the police. Unfortunately, a university staff member was involved in this action. Without informing the management or colleagues, an employee of the dean’s office, at the request of a police officer, prompted Maria to come to Shaninka under false pretenses, where she was detained. The employee's actions violated the fundamental principles of our school. We strongly oppose any such actions by university staff. Following this incident, an immediate meeting of staff, administration, and deans of the faculties took place. All present deans unanimously expressed their dismay at what occurred. Involving university staff in law enforcement activities related to students is deemed unacceptable. Presently, an internal investigation is underway regarding the dean’s office employee, and a disciplinary committee will be formed as a result,” the university stated in a press release.
The report also mentions the drafting of guidelines for all Shaninka employees on how to respond in a legally competent and confident manner to law enforcement appeals, while safeguarding the legitimate interests of students and teachers.
The university management also apologized to Maria for the inappropriate actions of the staff member.
“We aim for the university to remain a space for open discussion, where the personal views, political stances, and beliefs of staff, students, and faculty are respected and embraced. This is how Teodor Shanin envisioned it. This is the vision of our rector, Sergei Zuev. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of both students and staff,” the School stated in a press release.
A student and activist of the “Another Russia named after Eduard Limonov” party, Maria Tillert, was detained on February 4 within the university premises of Shaninka.
According to the student, a day before the arrest, a dean's office employee called her and requested her presence at the university to sign documents. When Tillert arrived at Shaninka, she was met by investigative officers. The police informed Maria that they had coordinated with the university administration and notified everyone about the law enforcement activities.
The activist was charged with violating article 19.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (refusal to comply with a lawful order from a police officer).
