Ayşe Gül Altınay, an anthropology professor from Sabancı University was sentenced to 2 years and 1 month in prison on May 21, 2019. She is being charged with "knowingly and willingly aiding a terrorist organization as a non-member" for having signed a petition in 2016 protesting human rights violations in Southeastern Turkey (the Peace Petition). Her sentence is being appealed. To this day, 193 ... Continue Reading>>
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NASA Scientist Imprisoned in Turkey, Has Been Released
Serkan Golge, the NASA scientist who was arrested in Turkey and was sentenced to seven years in prison on terrorism charges, was released on Wednesday evening, May 28, 2019. The scientist was arrested while on vacation in Turkey, visiting family in 2016. His parents confirmed that he is heading back to their home in Southern Turkey and has notified his wife and child. It is reported that the ... Continue Reading>>
Swedish Scientist Incarcerated In Iran Needs Immediate Medical Care
Ahmedreza Djalali, a Swedish scientist/physician/lecturer for emergency and disaster medicine has been sentenced and incarcerated in Iran for allegedly spying. He is, at this time, very ill and in need of emergency medical care. May 25, 2019 Ali Alghasi Mehr Prosecutor General of Tehran Corner (Nabsh-e) of 15 Khordad Square Tehran, Iran Dear Prosecutor General Mehr: The Committee ... Continue Reading>>
Mathematician Tuna Altinel Imprisoned in Turkey Without a Formal Sentence from the Court
Following this post is a PETITION from the Mathematics Department of Lyon 1 University for Tuna Altinel. Please add your name. Here is a link to that petition: https://math.univ-lyon1.fr/petitionTunaAltinel/en/free-tuna-altinel/ Tuna Altinel is a mathematics professor at France’s Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University. He was arrested last weekend in Turkey and accused of "propagandizing for a ... Continue Reading>>
Indonesian Sociology Professor Arrested for Allegedly Insulting the Military
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>>
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>>