Russian university expels Turkish students

Several Turkish citizens cannot continue their study at the Russian Nuclear Research University (MEPI), Russian Dozhd TV Channel has reported, with reference to the representative of the Association of Turkish students in Russia Okan Yildiz.

According to Yildiz, searches have been previously conducted on campus of the branch of MEPI in Obninsk, the Russian independent radio station Echo of Moscow reports.

The searches concerned students who allegedly supported terrorist organizations on the Internet. In addition, law enforcement officers searched the premises for drugs.

Earlier, Turkish students from Voronezh and Saratov also complained about searches and expulsions. At the same time, Voronezh Institute of High Technologies gave an official response, which confirmed that the Turkish students had been expelled. According to the administration, it related to nine people who had "academic and financial debt."

In early December, the Russian Ministry announced termination of agreements on cooperation between the Russian and Turkish universities. The ministry told about plans of the early return of Russian students from Turkey to their homeland, but it assured that Turkish citizens would be able to continue their studies in Russia.