Academic Stephenson Returns to Turkey
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İstanbul Bilgi University academic member, Chris Stephenson who was taken into custody, and left Turkey after being brought to Kumkapı Repatriation Center has returned to Turkey. Stephenson started his lectures today (March 23).
Stephenson answering the questions at his break time said he is happy to be together with his students.
He wittily added that he will “be careful about his personal situation” as he continues to act in solidarity with the imprisoned academics”.
“My spouse will check my bag as I leave the house”
Stephenson was in lecture today at Bilgi University. He stated that his students too were glad because of his return.
Stephenson stating he will continue to act in solidarity with the imprisoned academics, added wittily added that he will “be careful about his personal situation” as he continues to act in solidarity with the imprisoned academics”.
“My intention was to be in solidarity last Tuesday. I will continue supporting them but will do it by being careful about my personal situation. My family has asked me to do so. My spouse will check my bag as I leave the house.
Stephenson noting the decision about him not to be deported is an executive one rather than juridical, also touched on the possibility that it might reoccur said, “I hope it won’t happen”.
“Some people are hopeless of the situation in Turkey, I am not, I am hopeful. I believe beautiful things might happen. If everyone looks out for peace, I think beautiful things might happen in Turkey”.
Stephenson announced his return to Turkey with his tweet, “We’ve returned to homeland”.
Memlekete döndük.
— Chris Stephenson (@chrisjstephensn) 22 Mart 2016
What had happened?
Bilgi University academic member, Chris Stephenson was taken into custody at İstanbul Justice Palace in Çağlayan on March 15 where he came to support three academics who were detained because of Academics for Peace/İstanbul group’s declaration.
Stephenson was detained in front of the courthouse at around 9:15 a.m. on charge of having Newroz invitations with signature of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Provincial Presidency.
He was released on the day (March 16) he appeared before prosecutor but taken to Kumkapı Repatriation Center over demand for deportation. Stephenson left for England on the same day.
İstanbul Provincial Immigration Management Directorate declared on March 18 that Stephenson is not prohibited to return to Turkey. Stephenson saying he will “gladly return to Turkey” to bianet, returned to the country yesterday. (BK/TK)