Bilgi University Chancellor Resigns

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Bilgi University Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman has resigned from his duty.

Despite resigning from his post, Durman will continue his work as academic at the university. Former Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Remzi Sarıyer will assume the post temporarily.

What had happened?

Prof. Dr. Zeynep Sayın Balıkçıoğlu was first targeted by Sabah daily and then by state on the claim that she advised her students to read the Bible and insulted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Balıkçıoğlu was discharged from the university by the university presidency on June 16, 2016.

The Presidency issued a statement expressing that they are standing behind their decision.

Thereupon, a group of academics from Bilgi University emphasizing that they advocate Balıkçıoğlu issued a written statement and condemned the Presidency.

Bilgi University academic Prof. Dr. Christoph K. Neumann resigned on June 20 in protest of discharge of Balıkçıoğlu.

Students protested Durman on June 24 by turning their backs on him at the graduation ceremony.

Durman continuing his speech during the protest said, “I was expecting such a protest but if you allow me, I would like to practice my freedom of expression as well”.

At the ceremony, Faculty of Law students demonstrated their support to Balıkçıoğlu with the banners they carried reading “We stand by our lecturer Zeynep”. (EKN/TK)