Professor Robertus Robet, a sociology professor at the State University of Jakarta, was arrested in March 2019 for allegedly insulting the Indonesian military at a rally. He sang a song that he had sung at a rally 30 years ago. After a video of that was posted online he was arrested. He has been released, but faces a 4-year prison sentence, if convicted at trial. April 18, 2019 H. M. ... Continue Reading>>
Our Work
History Professor and President of Teacher’s Union Arrested for Questionable Charges
Ricardo Baltodano Marcenaro, a history professor and president of the teacher’s union at Universidad Politecnica de Nicaragua, was arrested in September 2018 and charged with setting a fire, a charge for which there is little evidence. He seems to have been arrested for his participation in a protest march. He has been ordered to be imprisoned until trial. To date he is still confined. Of ... Continue Reading>>
Law Professor in China Banned From Pursuing Academic Work Due to Articles Critical of President
Dr. Xu Zhangun, well-known law professor at Tsinghua University was banned from his job for writing articles that were critical of the President. CCS has written the President of Tsinghua University requesting Xu's reinstatement and emphasizing the importance for academic institutions to allow students and professors to explore many points of view in an academic environment. April 18, ... Continue Reading>>
Renowned Chinese Writer Detained for Exploring China’s Influence on Australian Politics
Yang Hengjun, an internationally respected writer, based at Columbia University in New York City, was detained in Guangzhou airport in January en route to a visit to his family in Shanghai. He has been charged with “endangering national security." However, it seems that the reason for his arrest may have been related more to an investigation he was conducting into China’s influence on politics ... Continue Reading>>
Internationally Respected Geneticist Arrested for Criticizing Government in Sudan
Dr. Muntaser Ibrahim, was arrested on February 21, 2019 for allegedly criticizing his government. He has been detained ever since following two arrests in January for participating peacefully in demonstrations. On the other two occasions he was quickly released, but this time he has been confined for several months. CCS has written the President of Sudan requesting his release. Postscript ... Continue Reading>>
Prominent Historian at the History Research Department of the Academy of Social Sciences of Xinjiang Arrested, Cause Unknown, Whereabouts Unknown
Dr. Askar Yunus, a prominent Kyrgyz Historian was arrested in late November 2018. We are unaware of the reason for his arrest nor his whereabouts. To the best or our knowledge he has not been charged with a criminal offense, been allowed to see his family members, nor seek representation by an attorney. CCS has written the President of China requesting he review this situation and release Dr. ... Continue Reading>>
Nicaraguan Scientists and Academics Punished for Criticizing Government
Many scientists and scholars in Nicaragua have recently lost their jobs, been attacked and some, forced to leave country for expressing their political beliefs in a peaceful manner. Several of these, Maria Luisa Acosta, the President of the Nicaraguan National Academy of Sciences, was forced to leave the country after receiving death threats; Mauricio Alvarez Arguello, a biologist at the ... Continue Reading>>
Committee of Concerned Scientists Review of 2018 Cases
The Committee of Concerned Scientists has compiled a brief review of our active cases over the past year. Many are still active, some have closed. The review gives a description of the situation for each case, a timeline and the current status of the scientist, academic, engineer or physician involved. ... Continue Reading>>
Scholar and Politician Arrested for Peaceful Political Activities
Maurice Kamto, an accomplished legal scholar and prominent political figure has been jailed and charged with offenses such as “rebellion” and “insurrection,” which could result in a death penalty. CCS has written the President of the Republic of Cameroon expressing concern about this case considering that Mr. Kamto served as chairman and special rapporteur of the United Nations International Law ... Continue Reading>>
Professor Arrested in New Delhi for Criticism of Current Government
Dr. Anand Teltumbde, an engineer and Senior Professor at the Goa Institute of Management was arrested on February 2 for expressing oppositional views of the current government. This could jeopardize his scholarship. CCS has written the Prime Minister requesting that they reconsider his legal situation, dismiss his charges and release him. March 5, 2019 Narendra Modi Prime Minister Prime ... Continue Reading>>