The Education and Science Ministry has denied its plans to empty student dormitories to house security services during the World Cup 2018.
Russian media reported last week that law enforcement would be moved into student housing in May, a month before Russia hosts the international football tournament. Universities in host cities were reportedly changing students’ schedules to accommodate the police and military.
"The reports of mass evictions from dormitories during the World Cup 2018 circulated in the media are not true," the ministry said in a statement carried by the Interfax news agency.
The ministry said students will have already left their dormitories for the summer holidays by the time security personnel move temporarily into the student housing for the World Cup.
No students who stay for the summer will be forcibly evicted, the ministry said. It added that the plan would “not disrupt the educational process.”
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
