On October 7, 2026, Dr. Sofya Rosenfeld was sentenced to three years and six months in a penal colony for two small donations to the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) made in 2021, despite reportedly presenting evidence that she canceled the recurring payments upon learning of the prohibition. We urge the Russian authorities to release her pending appeal, ensure a full and fair review of the ... Continue Reading>>
Our Work
Bipartisan Resolution Urges China to Release Wrongfully Detained Americans
A bipartisan, bicameral group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced a resolution condemning China’s detention of American academics, including Dr. Youlin Chen and Min Zin, on whose behalf CCS wrote letters. The resolution calls on the U.S. government to prioritize their safe return and urges China to release Americans it considers wrongfully ... Continue Reading>>
Update on Melkisedeki Kitunzi Kaijage – University Lecturer Charged with Terrorism for Encouraging Protests
University of Dodoma lecturer Melkisedeki Kitunzi Kaijage was released after prosecutors decided not to proceed with terrorism and economic-sabotage charges against him. CCS wrote on his behalf following his arrest in July in connection with the planned Saba Saba protests. He was later charged with allegedly threatening to burn public buildings and police residences. As a condition of his release, ... Continue Reading>>
An Appeal for the Protection of Fundamental Rights and Academic Freedom of University Teachers in Bangladesh
The petition by the Global Centre for Democratic Governance, covering the period from August 2024 to August 2026, documents concerns about intimidation, forced resignations, exclusion from academic activities, disciplinary measures, arrests, detention, and other forms of pressure affecting university teachers in Bangladesh, particularly in cases involving actual or perceived political ... Continue Reading>>
Professor of International Relations at the Muksut Narikbayev University (MNU) in Astana, Kazakhstan Arrested Two Months Ago for Alleged Espionage
Prof. Ikboljon Qoraboyev, professor of international relations and head of the Center for Global and Regional Governance at Muksut Narikbayev University (MNU) in Astana, Kazakhstan was arrested two months ago for alleged espionage for Uzbekistan, which was only revealed recently. The Committee urges his ... Continue Reading>>
Concern Over Detention of Iranian American Family Over Relative’s Past
The Committee of Concerned Scientists (CCS) expresses concern over the detention and attempted removal from the United States of lawful permanent residents Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Dr. Maryam Tahmasebi, and their teenage son. CCS emphasizes that individuals should be held responsible only for their own actions and should not face punishment based on the conduct or political activities of relatives. ... Continue Reading>>
Call for Humane Treatment, Due Process, and Release of Detained Palestinian Physician
: Dr. Rantisi is a respected Palestinian physician known for decades of providing care to poor and underserved patients and for his leadership of the Health Work Committees. Arrested in Ramallah on June 21, 2026, he is reportedly being detained because of his association with the organization, which Israeli authorities have declared unlawful. CCS is concerned about reports of mistreatment and ... Continue Reading>>
22-Year-Old Russian Mathematician Detained on State Treason Charges Over Aid to Ukrainian Children
Leonid Maksimovich Kats,a 22-year-old Russian mathematician and promising young scholar, has been detained since September 2025 and held in pretrial detention on a state treason charge reportedly linked to a donation to a charity assisting Ukrainian children. The evidence against him remains unavailable to the public, as the case is being conducted behind closed doors. CCS urges authorities to ... Continue Reading>>
University Lecturer Charged with Terrorism for Encouraging Protests
Melkisedeki Kaijage, an assistant lecturer at Dodomo University in Tanzania, was detained for two weeks, then charged with terrorism just when they were about to release him on bail. There is no publicly available evidence that this academic lecturer who hopes to be a Ph.D. candidate one day, is a terrorist. ... Continue Reading>>
U.S. Seismologist Detained by China for Alleged Espionage Charges
Chinese-born U.S. citizen and seismologist Youlin Chen was recently arrested for nearly two years and faces trial on accounts of espionage. These charges have raised concerns over U.S.-China relations. Chen's work as a seismographer focuses on publishing U.S. funded work surrounding North Korean nuclear tests. This arrest of a US citizen contradicts China’s reputation for producing and promoting ... Continue Reading>>