In the series of events "Fragile Freedom", refugee researchers share experiences of loss of freedom that forced them to flee. Their experiences emphasize the need to actively stand up for the preservation of democratic values. The public talks will take place at various universities in Germany and offer an opportunity for exchange between the refugee researchers and the audience.

The kick-off will take place on June 13, 2024 at 18:00 at the Ruhr University Bochum with the scientist Vasil Navumau (Belarus).

Vasil Navumau's research focuses on socio-political transformation, digital government and democratic communication between citizens and the government. When activists in Belarus faced increasing repression in 2020 and a citizens' initiative, which he was involved in, had to be shut down, he left the country to avoid imprisonment. With the support of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative, he came to Ruhr-Universität Bochum in 2021.

Event details:

• June 13, 2024, 18:00 (duration: approx. 60-90min)
• House of the History of the Ruhr Area, Clemensstraße 17, 44789 Bochum
• Speaker: Vasil Navumau, Belarus, Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS), Ruhr University Bochum
• Moderation: Mareike Ilsemann, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation