Andrew Ross, a professor at NYU, had been studying and critiquing labor practices in the Gulf. Ross' research focused on alleged exploitation of migrant construction workers at NYU's proposed campus in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In March, his visa to continue his research was denied by UAE authorities. In view of NYU's agreement with UAE to respect to academic freedom at the proposed ... Continue Reading>>
Our Work
Lengthy Hunger Strike by Bahraini Activist Protesting Prison Conditions Concerns Family
Dr. Abdul Jalil Al-Singace, a former professor of mechanical engineering and human rights activist, has been in jail under conditions he considers to be inhumane. His hunger strike has been ongoing since March 2nd, according to reports, and his family is gravely concerned about his health. CCS asked Bahraini authorities to investigate Dr. Al Singace's situation and prison conditions for ... Continue Reading>>
Sudden Transfer to Interrogation Ward of Omid Kokabee of Grave Concern
CCS is alerting Dr. Mohammad Javad Ardashir Larijani about this worrisome development in Kokabee's imprisonment, contradicting earlier suggestions that a pardon might be forthcoming. ... Continue Reading>>
Iran’s Support for Science Might
Open Way for Kokabee Pardon
After a strong statement by Dr. Mohammad Javad Larijani, a highly placed Iranian official, on the importance of science to the Islamic Republic, CCS requests his assistance in obtaining a pardon for Omid Kokabee. As we had before, we emphasize Kokabee's poor health in prison and the Iranian supreme court's assertion of his innocence. ... Continue Reading>>
Activist Jailed in China and Denied Access to Counsel
Guo Yushan, a scholar and public intellectual who founded a public policy think tank in China, was arrested on January 3, 2014 for "operating an illegal business," although the government has not formally charged him with this crime. He was denied access to counsel for three months after his arrest, and his defense lawyer has also been detained. CCS urges President Xi Jinping to investigate ... Continue Reading>>
2014 Annual Report
During 2014, the Committee of Concerned Scientists continued to advocate on behalf of scientists, academics, engineers and physicians. We wrote in concern for more than 30 individuals or groups of individuals, located in 11 countries. We generally addressed our letters to the heads of state, as well as to the ministries or local authorities with jurisdiction over the case when we were able to ... Continue Reading>>
Omid Kokabee Accepts AAAS Award with Letter from Iranian Prison
Omid Kokabee was this year's winner of the prestigious 2014 Scientific Freedom & Responsibility Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The award was presented on February 13 at the AAAS Annual Meeting in San Jose, California. "Given that Omid Kokabee could not be present because he’s in prison, the audience was very moved. I exaggerate only a little when I say ... Continue Reading>>
Bahrani Professor’s Abrupt Citizenship Revocation Violates Universal Human Rights Declaration
Bahrain's Interior Ministry revoked Dr. Masaud Jahromi's citizenship without notice or opportunity to respond, on grounds of "terrorist activities" or "advocating regime change through illegal means." OUR PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES The Jahromi Archive Jahromi, Chair of the Ahlia University's Computer Science Department, has never participated in either of these. CCS wrote protesting such arbitrary ... Continue Reading>>
Economist Co-founder of Human Rights Association Sentenced to 10 years for Sedition Against Saudi Arabia
Mohammed al-Qathani, an economics professor calling for implementation of rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was sentenced to 10 years in jail in 2013. CCS protested conviction based on peaceful expression of opinion and freedom of association and asked for his release. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Ministry of the Interior P.O. Box ... Continue Reading>>
CCS Regrets the Death of Charles Townes
Charles H. Townes, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist whose work led to the development of the laser, died in Oakland, California on January 27, 2015 at the age of 99 after a long illness. He was a National Sponsor of the Committee of Concerned Scientists. Related articles Charles H. Townes, inventor of the laser, dies at 99 (pbs.org) UCF Mourns Nobel Laureate and Laser Pioneer Charles H. ... Continue Reading>>