Academics Jubilant after European University, St. Petersburg, Reopens

A Western-funded university in St. Petersburg has been allowed by a court to resume classes after a temporary suspension for alleged fire safety violations.

The European University's closure in February prompted criticism from some Russian opposition figures who alleged that the authorities might have used fire violations as a pretext to punish the university for its EU-sponsored election monitoring course.

The university's press service has stated that the Dzerzhinsk District Court has lifted restrictions on its operations, saying it is satisfied that no more fire safety rules were being violated.

The suspension of the university's activities came amid tensions between Moscow and the West over Russia's March 2 presidential elections, which President Vladimir Putin's handpicked successor, Dmitry Medvedev, won by a wide margin. Western nations have accused Putin of backtracking on democracy, but he has dismissed the criticism and fired back by accusing the West of bias and meddling in Russian politics.

In a protest against the closure, prominent academics started an international petition campaign with GoPetition. Campaign organisers, Drs Alexei Yurchak and Michele Rivkin-Fish, lobbied Russian authorities in the following terms,

"We, the undersigned, write to convey our highest possible support for the European University at St Petersburg and to express our dire concern about its temporary closure. As scholars in the social sciences and humanities from North America, Europe and elsewhere with research programs connected to Russia, we have come to know the European University at St. Petersburg as a flagship institution in Russia, Europe, and the world. Its faculty are leaders in international scientific analysis of history and contemporary society."

The petition concludes,

"The sudden suspension of university life in the middle of a semester is an unprecedented action and raises unnecessary concerns about the political climate in Russia from the international community. We strongly urge you to renew the university’s right to work and to support its continued functioning."

With news that the petition had been successful, Dr Yurchak thanked supporters,

"Today we are happy to let you know that recently the Russian authorities have decided to reactivate the license of the European University and allow the University to continue its work. According to Russian political observers, the support of the international community, including this petition, played a key role in this decision. Thank you! The petition is now closed."

GoPetition eds
Sources include: International Herald Tribune