Germany refused a Russian student a study visa over a “security threat.” Human rights advocates called it a dangerous precedent

Germany refused a Russian student a study visa over a “security threat.” Human rights advocates called it a dangerous precedent

The German Embassy in Moscow refused to issue a study visa to a graduate of the Design program at HSE University who had been admitted to a similar program at a German university of the arts. The student human rights project Molniya, which reviewed the visa refusal letter, reported this.

In the letter, the embassy cites the risk that knowledge obtained at a German university could be used for unintended purposes and endanger the security and interests of the Federal Republic of Germany. “When weighing your personal interest in entering the country against the public interest in preventing a threat, it was established that the public interest carries greater weight,” the embassy replied.

Previously, because of the risk of “misuse of knowledge,” European universities could refuse students in technical fields. “This is the first time we have recorded a case in which the wording ‘security threat’ is being applied to a graduate of an artistic field who is not connected with state structures or military development,” Molniya said.

The organization called this a dangerous precedent and promised that it would continue helping the student.

In early September, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that German authorities would tighten controls on Russians entering the country in response to the sabotage at Leipzig Airport. Exactly how the entry rules would change was not specified.

@meduzalive