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>>
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>>
Professor Arrested in New Delhi for Criticism of Current Government
Dr. Anand Teltumbde, an engineer and Senior Professor at the Goa Institute of Management was arrested on February 2 for expressing oppositional views of the current government. This could jeopardize his scholarship. CCS has written the Prime Minister requesting that they reconsider his legal situation, dismiss his charges and release him. March 5, 2019 Narendra Modi Prime Minister Prime ... Continue Reading>>
Swedish Physician/Professor In Very Bad Health in Iranian Prison: 124 Nobel Laureates Call for His Release
Ahmadreza Djalali, a physician and lecturer living in Sweden, was arrested while in Iran for a presentation to other medical professionals. He was accused of spying and sentenced to death. He has now been confined for 2.5 years. Recently, he became very ill and had to be operated on for emergency hernia surgery. He was taken to a hospital, received the surgery and was immediately returned to ... Continue Reading>>
Medical Student In Nicaragua Reportedly Beaten While Detained
Amaya Eva Coppens, a medical student at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua in Leon, was arrested following a protest demonstration on September 10th. On October 26, it was reported that she and 18 other women confined at La Speranza prison were attacked and beaten by over 20 unidentified, hooded men. None of the women received medical treatment. Four days following the attack ... Continue Reading>>
Betul Tanbay, Professor of Mathematics at Bogazici University and Vice President-Elect of the European Mathematical Society and Turgut Tarhanli, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Istanbul Bilgi University, Among 13 Prominent Academics, Journalists and Activists Detained on November 15, 2018 By Turkish Authorities
On November 15, 2018, Drs. Tanbay and Tarhanli, were among 13 prominent professionals arrested in Turkey. They were questioned regarding their links to the Anatolia Culture Association. The group was accused of trying to bring down the government due to their involvement in a series of large anti-government demonstration that took place in Istanbul’s Gezi Park in 2013. Twelve of those detained ... Continue Reading>>
Iranian Teacher Arrested in Classroom in Front of His Students
Mohammad Habibi, a 29 year-old teacher, was arrested on March 3, 2018 in front of his students by the Revolutionary Guards. Habibi has since been sentenced for 10.5 years in prison for “gathering and colluding to commit crimes against national security,” “spreading propaganda against the system,” and “disturbing public order.” Habibi is an active member of the Iranian Teachers’ Trade ... Continue Reading>>