The "School of Human Rights" in Turkey has issued an 81-page report on the human rights violations against academics since the 2016 failed coup and the ensuing State of Emergency, which meant the summary dismissal of thousands of academics from their jobs at the universities, without recourse. The report includes follow up since 2016. Below is a link to the report in ... Continue Reading>>
Istanbul Technical University Academics Sentenced for Alleged Participation in Terrorist Group
On Friday, May 25th, sixteen academics from Istanbul University were sentenced to prison terms varying from 3 years to 7.5 years for their alleged support of the Gulen movement. All were convicted and charged with membership in a terrorist group. The Turkish government has accused the followers of Gulen of masterminding the July 15, 2016 failed coup attempt. More than 150,000 people, including ... Continue Reading>>
The Situation Worsens In Turkey for Academics
Prior to the coup attempt in Turkey on July 15, 2016, many academics in Turkish universities jointly signed a statement called "The Peace Petition," requesting the government end the violence and open the way to dialogue and a lasting peace. Shortly thereafter the attempted coup took place and there was a large round-up of suspected persons involved. The signors of the Peace Petition were thrown ... Continue Reading>>
Gulmen Granted Conditional Release, Ozakca Acquitted – Turkish Professor and Teacher Who Had Been on a Hunger Strike After Termination of Employment
Nuriye Gulmen a 35-year old Turkish literature professor lost her job after the Turkish coup attempt and began a 269-day hunger strike with her spouse who had also been terminated as a teacher. Gulmen had been hospitalized before her trial began as her health had seriously deteriorated. She was sentenced to six years and three months in prison for "membership in an armed terror group," referring ... Continue Reading>>
Turkish Academics Who Signed the Peace Petition Going to Court as Terrorists
Articles Related to Status of Turkish Academics: Academics on Trial for Peace Declaration (The Media Line, December 15, 2017, Nick Ashdown) - http://www.themedialine.org/news/turkey-terrorist-academics-trial-peace-declaration/ Last week trials began of those who signed the Academics for Peace Petition. 148 trials are scheduled through May 2018. Each signer is being tried individually, 10 ... Continue Reading>>
Peace Petition Signatories Call for Solidarity as First Trials Begin
Before the failed coup attempt academics throughout Turkey signed a "Peace Petition" calling for better treatment of the Kurds. There was an immediate response from the government that began as investigations into the signers, followed by many being suspended or terminated from their positions at their institutions. Following the coup attempt the signers of the Peace Petition were included in the ... Continue Reading>>
Turkish Academics for Peace Face Court Hearing on December 5 – Being Individually Sued
Many academics in Turkey signed a Peace Petition on January 11 2016, noting that they wanted better treatment for Kurds. More than 500 academics signed the petition. Many of them have, as a result, been terminated from their institutions. Some were dismissed from public service, some were fired outright and others were forced to retire. Four were detained for several weeks. Now most are being ... Continue Reading>>