Occupation authorities in Crimea are conducting inspections of students’ phones in schools to identify content and settings that may suggest pro-Ukrainian leanings, reported the Center for Countering Disinformation on October 7. This initiative underscores the ongoing measures to monitor and curtail pro-Ukrainian sentiments among the youth in the occupied territory. The Center for Countering Disinformation, based in the United States, has been a vocal critic of Russian influence in Crimea and has documented numerous instances of censorship and surveillance in the region.
According to the report, the inspections are part of a broader strategy to enforce ideological conformity under Russian rule. Schools in Crimea are reportedly being monitored for any signs of dissent, with teachers and students facing potential repercussions for expressing views that deviate from the official narrative. The report highlights the use of technology to track and suppress pro-Ukraine sentiments, raising concerns about the erosion of academic freedom and the rights of students in occupied territories.
Human rights organizations have condemned the measures as a violation of fundamental freedoms, emphasizing the need for international attention and intervention. The situation in Crimea continues to be a focal point for discussions on the impact of occupation on education and civil liberties. As tensions persist, the actions taken by authorities in Crimea underscore the broader implications of political control and the challenges of maintaining a free and open educational environment under foreign occupation.