Support for Academics from Colleagues Dismissed During Coup

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The academics including Prof. Dr. Korkut Boratav, Prof. Dr. Cem Eroğul, Prof Dr. Taner Timur have initiated a new campaign

The academics dismissed from their positions at the university based upon the post-September 12 Coup Martial Law No. 1402 too have signed the petition saying “We declare that we stand with the academics calling for peace”.

The petition includes the statement that “The 1,128 scientists who are targeted by the authoritarian mindset that persistently sustains a futile effort such as subjugating the whole Turkey to its will, today are under a grave threat in terms of their life safety, work environment and work safety”.

“1,128 scientists are under threat”

The full text is as follows:

“We as the scientist having signature on the text below, declare that we side with the academics calling for peace.

“It is obvious that conflict environment lasting for months in the Southeast of our country has destructive and irrecoverable consequences. While demanding a perpetual and just solution and pace is obligation of every scientist for society, it is also a natural requirement for the freedom of expression which is assured by all international human rights treaties and constitute one of the basic elements of democratic society”.

“The peace demand enhanced by our 1,128 academic colleagues by the declaration titled ‘We will not be a party to this crime’ being criminalized by the state authorities is a stance against right to live in peace as well as at odds with freedom of expression.

“The petition includes the statement that “The 1,128 scientists who are targeted by the authoritarian mindset that persistently sustains a futile effort such as subjugating the whole Turkey to its will, today are under a grave threat in terms of their life safety, work environment and work safety.

“It must be kept in mind that right to criticize against governments is essence of freedom of expression. In the same manner, it must also be remembered that foremost duty of political authorities is to establish the environment to live together in peace”. (EKN/TK)

First signees

* Those willing to support the text may send their names and surnames to [email protected] until January 20, 2016.