July 20, 2016 Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei Leader of the Islamic Republic The Office of the Supreme Leader Islamic Republic Street – End of Shahid Keshvar Doust Street Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran Your Excellency: We are writing on behalf of the Committee of Concerned Scientists, an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the ... Continue Reading>>
Our Work
Political Science Professor, Former Member of Parliament Arrested in Ethiopia
Dr. Merera Gudina, a political science professor and former member of parliament and leader of the Oromo people in Ethiopia ha been arrested upon returning from a meeting of the European Parliament. He was tried on May 4, 2017 when his counsel objected to the charges but the prosecution denied the objection. On July 7 court is to announce its verdict. Hailemariam Dessalegn FDRE Prime ... Continue Reading>>
Ismail Serageldin, Founder and Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Jailed in Egypt
The founder and former Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, was sentenced to jail for seemingly minor offenses that appear baseless. CCS has written the President of Egypt asking that he review this case and release Dr. Serageldin as quickly as possible. Many other human rights organizations as well as many Nobel Laureates have sent letters in his support as well. ... Continue Reading>>
A Doctoral Student in Finance at the University of Liege in Belgium Arrested in Iran for Communicating with a Hostile Government
Hamid Babaei, a doctoral student currently serving a 6-year sentence at Evin Prison has deteriorating health conditions. He suffers from panic disorders and has severe gum disease. Mr. Babaei has been sentenced for “acting against national security by communicating with a hostile government.” This was the acceptance of his scholarship. CCS has written the Ayatollah requesting that he review ... Continue Reading>>
Princeton Graduate Student Sentenced to 10 Years in Iran While Conducting Thesis Research
Xiyue Wang, a Chinese graduate student and American citizen attending Princeton was conducting research for his doctoral thesis in Iran when he was arrested and charged with espionage. Wang was loading documents on the 19th and 20th century eurasian history researching the Qajar dynasty. However, the authorities in Iran thought he was a CIA agent and spy for the United States and sentenced him ... Continue Reading>>
Professor at Al-Quds University Administratively Detained Without Charges in Israel
Ahmad Qatamesh, a university professor and founder of the Munif Barghouti Research Center in the School of Humanities at Al-Quds University was arrested on May 14th and detained without being charged with a crime for his political opinions and writings. He has spent over eight years in jail in the past for the same situation over years. CCS has written the Israeli Minister of Defense requesting ... Continue Reading>>
Turkey Requests Extradition of Manager and Teacher at Demirel College Who Has Lived in Georgia Since 2002
Turkey has requested Georgia to extradite Mustafa Cabuk alleging that he faces “terrorism” charges due to his alleged involvement with the Gulen movement. Georgia has denied refugee status to Cabuk and his family. CCS has written the Prime Minister of Georgia requesting a review and reconsideration for the Cabuk family as their well-being will most likely be in jeopardy if sent to ... Continue Reading>>
Engineering Professor At The University of Khartoum Facing Serious Criminal Charges for His Human Rights Work
Dr. Mudawi Ibrahim Adam, engineering professor, faces charges that could result in his execution. It is alleged that Dr. Adam has been targeted for his human rights work. Dr. Adam also has health challenges that may be exacerbated while confined. ... Continue Reading>>
Gulmen and Ozakca Began Hunger Strike to Protest Dismissal as Academics. Shortly After, They Were Arrested.
Nuriye Gulmen (Scholar) and Semih Ozakca (Primary School Teacher) were dismissed from academic positions in November 2016 and began protesting their dismissal. In March 2017 they began a hunger strike and two months later were charged with “membership in a terrorist organization” and “propaganda for a terrorist organization.” CCS understands that, due to their hunger strike, their health has ... Continue Reading>>
Turkish Academic Deported from Malaysia to Turkey
Ismet Ozelik, formerly a member of the Board of Directors of Mevlana University in Selcuklu, was in Malaysia and, at Turkey’s request, was deported back to Turkey on suspicions of his involvement with the Gulen movement. CCS wrote to the Turkish authorities requesting clarification of Dr. Ozelik’s status and, requesting that if charged he receive a fair trial that meets international standards. ... Continue Reading>>