Erasmus Students Warned at Galatasaray University: “Don’t Join Protests”

Warning email carrying signature of Galatasaray University Vice-Chancellor has been sent to all Erasmus students to not join protests at Galatasaray University.

“We won’t help you”

The text noting Erasmus students are in Turkey as guest and don’t have the same rights as “Turks” has said, “We should remain within the limits of our status here. I understand that some might participate [in the protests] for considering some situations unjust despite they may not understand all the details”.  

“As I mentioned before, we are here as guests and if we act in inappropriate manners, there is a chance negative decisions will be made about us. I discourage you to not join any protests at Galatasaray University, and especially in Turkey. I wish you will not find yourselves in situations which we can’t help you”, continued the statement.

“Embarassing”

An Erasmus student at Galatasaray University emphasizing shocked with the e-mail said, “I initially thought it was a safety warning but it is being insisted that we shouldn’t join protest. Though not a threat exactly, a warning is being posed by mentioning possible negative consequences. It is out of question that I will not join a protests because of this email. The way we are being treated is embarrassing”.

“Will we remain silent about Paris attacks?”

Another Erasmus student who joins protests against sweatshops said, “This email is scandalous. They emphasize that we cannot ‘understand all the details’. Besides, I’ve received the email 5 days after the Paris attack. That is critical as well. Our friends died, will we remain silent about Paris attacks?”

What had happened?

Following electric technician Arif Arslan losing his wife in an elevator accident at Galatasaray University on November 11, students and academics called for a commission to be formed as to labor rights in the university and bring those responsible to justice.

The students had boycotted for four days to protest the incident. Erasmus students had joined this protest as well as the act to commemorate those who died in Paris attack. (FF/NV/TK)

Click here to read the article in Turkish