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>>
Our Work
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>>
CCS Co-Chair Describes Situation for Academics Presently in Turkey
Dr. Eugene Chudnovsky provides a clear explanation, one year post-coup attempt, of the situation for academics in Turkey. http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/one-year-after-attempted-coup-purges-have-left-hundreds-of-turkish-academics-imprisoned/article/2629270 ... Continue Reading>>
In Memory of Dr. Mirzakhani: The World Has Lost a Great Mind CCS is sorry to note the passing of Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani, a brilliant mathematician. The Union for Secular Republic and Human Rights in Iran expressed very well our thoughts and feelings.
In Memory of Dr. Mirzakhani: The World Has Lost a Great Mind Passing away of Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani, a well-known mathematics scholar, was a shocking and devastating tragedy. Iran particularly and the global scientific community in general has lost a brilliant mind and thinker. Dr. Mirzakhani who achieved the most prestigious award in the field of mathematics, is the only female to win ... Continue Reading>>
CCS, With Others Across the World, Mourns the Death of Chinese Dissident, Liu Xiaobo
The Committee of Concerned Scientists mourns the death of Chinese Dissident, Liu Xiaobo from Liver Cancer. The following PBS article, noting the views of many human rights groups expresses the loss well: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/liu-xiaobo-nobel-laureate-chinese-dissident-dies-61/ ... Continue Reading>>
Dr. Djalali, Expert in Disaster Medicine, Scheduled for Trial on August 2, 2017 In Iran
Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, an expert in Disaster Medicine, was arrested and has been detained in Evin Prison since April 2016. He has been charged with "collaborating with hostile governments" and "acting against national security." Dr. Djalali is an Iranian National who was residing with his family in Sweden, but would return to Iran to do training with professionals in disaster medicine. Dr. ... Continue Reading>>
Seyoum Teshome, Ethiopian University Lecturer Detained
Seyoum Teshome, University Lecturer in Ethiopian, detained. Reason unknown, but it is suspected that he had posted anti-government information on his blog and on Facebook. CCS encourages his immediate release. July 5, 2017 Hailemariam Dessalegn Prime Minister FDRE Prime Minister Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Fax: +251 11 122 6292 Your Excellency: The Committee of Concerned ... Continue Reading>>
Dr. Merrera Gudina, Ethiopia, Hearing Scheduled for July 7, 2017
Dr. Merera Gudina, former professor of political science at Addis Ababa University and chair of the Oromo Federalist Congress will return to court for a verdict ruling on charges related to his peaceful exercise of his right to freedom of expression and association on July 7, 2017. July 5, 2017 Hailemariam Dessalegn FDRE Prime Minister Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Fax: +251 11 122 ... Continue Reading>>
Law Student, Jatupat Boonpattararaksa at Khon Kaen University, Detained Five Months for Facebook Post
Jatupat (“Pai”) Boonpattararaksa, law school student at Khon Kaen University has been detained since December (and can receive up to a 15 year sentence) for a Facebook post that was insulting to the monarch. Pai has been denied bail because the post was not removed. Pai has been continually subjected to internal searches and there is concern that he is at risk of torture or other ... Continue Reading>>
Ahmed Amin Ghazali Amin, University Student in Egypt, Held in Solitary Awaiting Appeal for Death Sentence for Membership in Muslim Brotherhood
Ahmed Amin Ghazali Amin, a student at Menoufia University, has been held for over a year in solitary confinement as he awaits the results of his appeal of a death sentence. Amin was tried by a military court in Egypt, convicted of membership in the Muslim Brotherhood, which is banned in Egypt, as well as possession of weapons and classified information. UN Standard Minimum Rules for the ... Continue Reading>>