AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

AAAS Action Alerts

The AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program calls attention to human rights abuses involving scientists and scientific communities through the circulation of Action Alerts issued by professional associations on behalf of their colleagues or by human rights organizations.

Cases that are publicized through the Action Alerts are researched and developed by the association or organization that submits the call for action. The alerts provide important background information on the case(s), and recommend specific actions to support the victim(s) of human rights abuse. The Action Alerts reach hundreds of AAAS members and other concerned scientists and engineers who are a part of SRHRL's network.

Alerts 2013

Call for Letters on Behalf of Busra Ersanli of Turkey

Call for Letters on Behalf of Pinar Selek of Turkey

Call for Letters on Behalf of Ilham Tohti of China

In advance of her upcoming May 27th trial, SAR calls for letters on behalf of Professor Busra Ersanli, a professor of political science at Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey.

SAR asks for letters, faxes and emails respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to intervene in Professor Ersanli's case, to ensure that any charges stemming from conduct protected under international human rights instruments are dismissed, and to ensure that the trial on any charges not dismissed proceeds in a manner consistent with Turkey's obligations under domestic and international law, in particular internationally recognized standards of due process and fair trial procedures.

Scholars at Risk is an international network of over 320 higher education institutions in 35 countries dedicated to promoting academic freedom and constituent freedoms of thought, opinion, expression, association and travel.  In cases like that of Professor Ersanli, involving alleged infringement of these freedoms, Scholars at Risk intervenes hoping to clarify and resolve matters favorably.

Background

SAR understands that Professor Ersanli serves as a member of the constitutional commission of Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), a political party.  Professor Ersanli and dozens of others were arrested on October 28, 2011 in Istanbul during a police operation that appears to have targeted the BDP, and on November 1, 2011 Professor Ersanlı was charged with "membership of a terrorist organization" under Turkey's Anti Terror Law, a charge which reflects the authorities' allegation that the BDP is linked to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which is banned in Turkey and designated a terrorist organization by multiple countries.  SAR understands that the BDP publicly disavows this allegation. We are not aware of any allegation that Professor Ersanli is a member directly in the PKK or otherwise associated with the PKK. We understand that the charge against her stems only from her work on the intra-party constitutional commission of the BDP.  Professor Ersanlı was released on July 13, 2012, pending the remainder of her trial, which we understand will resume on May 27, 2013.    

Absent any additional or contrary information which will help us to understand the situation more fully, the facts appear to indicate that Professor Ersanli was arrested and charged as a result of nonviolent expressive activity and association with others, conduct which is expressly protected under international human rights instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Turkey is a signatory, and the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Turkey is party.

Scholars at Risk therefore respectfully urges the appropriate authorities to intervene in Professor Ersanli's case, to ensure that any charges stemming from conduct protected under these instruments are dismissed, and to ensure that the trial on any charges not dismissed proceeds in a manner consistent with Turkey's obligations under domestic and international law, in particular internationally recognized standards of due process and fair trial procedures.

Take Action

Scholars at Risk invites letters, emails and faxes be sent:

- respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to intervene in Professor Ersanli's case, to ensure that any charges stemming from conduct protected under international human rights instruments are dismissed; and

- respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to ensure that the trial on any charges not dismissed proceeds in a manner consistent with Turkey's obligations under domestic and international law, in particular internationally recognized standards of due process and fair trial procedures.

PLEASE WRITE TO:  

President Abdullah Gül
Office of the President
Cumhurbaşkanlığı Genel Sekreterliği
06689 Çankaya
Ankara, Turkey
Fax: +90 312 470 13 16
Email: cumhurbaskanligi@tccb.gov.tr

COPIES TO:

Mr. Sadullah Ergin
Minister of Justice
06669 Kizilay
Ankara, Turkey
Fax: +90 312 419 3370

The Honorable Navanethem Pillay
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

The Honorable John F. Kerry
United States Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC  20520, USA

The Honorable _________
Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to [YOUR COUNTRY]
[POSTAL ADDRESS]
[FAX]
[EMAIL]
(See http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkish-representations.en.mfa for a list of Turkish embassies worldwide.)

The Honorable _________
Ambassador of [YOUR COUNTRY] to the Republic of Turkey
[POSTAL ADDRESS]
[FAX]
[EMAIL]

Scholars at Risk
New York University
194 Mercer Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10012, USA
Email: scholarsatrisk@nyu.edu
Fax: +1 212-995-4402

To view a model letter of appeal, as well as a copy of SAR's letter, please visit: http://scholarsatrisk.nyu.edu/Education-Advocacy/Alerts-Scholars-in-Prison.php

Scholars at Risk Network is gravely concern over reports that Ms. Pınar Selek of Turkey, a PhD candidate in Political Science at the University of Strasbourg, was convicted in absentia on January 24, 2013 and sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment for her alleged role in a 1998 explosion at an Istanbul market.

SAR asks for letters, faxes and emails respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to ensure that Ms. Selek receives a fair opportunity to appeal this recent sentence before an impartial tribunal, that any charges or convictions related to her academic activities are lifted, and that in the interim, her case is addressed in a manner consistent with internationally recognized standards of due process, fair trial and detention, in accordance with Turkey's obligations under international law.

Scholars at Risk (SAR) is an international network of over 300 universities and colleges in 34 countries dedicated to promoting academic freedom and its constituent freedoms of thought, opinion, expression, association and travel. In cases involving alleged infringement of these freedoms, SAR intervenes hoping to clarify and resolve matters favorably.

Background

Ms. Pınar Selek is a writer and scholar whose research and writing focuses on women in disadvantaged or marginalized groups, including street children, prostitutes, transgendered individuals, and Kurdish communities. Scholars at Risk understands that because of her work with Kurdish populations, Ms. Selek was charged with "membership in an illegal organization" under Turkey's Anti Terror Law, a charge reflecting the authorities' allegation that Ms. Selek's research on Kurdish issues links her to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which is banned in Turkey and designated a terrorist organization by multiple countries. We understand that an allegation linking Ms. Selek to the PKK was seriously discredited when the accuser recanted his statement in court and stated that he gave Ms. Selek's name after being tortured. We further understand that Ms. Selek disavows the allegation that she is a member or otherwise associated with the PKK, and rather that this charge against her stems only from her research and writing on Kurdish issues.

Scholars at Risk understands that it is Ms. Selek's alleged ties to the PKK which have led to her accusation of acting as an accomplice in a 1998 explosion at the Istanbul Spice Bazaar. We further understand that after being arrested in July 1998, she was detained in an Istanbul prison for more than two years and was allegedly tortured while being interrogated about her Kurdish research subjects. She was released after forensic testing determined the blast was likely caused by a gas leak. The prosecution of Ms. Selek continued, however, and in June 2006 the Istanbul 12th Heavy Criminal Court declined to make a ruling after all the prosecution's witnesses recanted their statements. After successive remands from the Court of Cassation, Ms. Selek was acquitted twice by the Istanbul 12th Heavy Criminal Court in May 2008 and February 2011. It is our understanding that, in November 2012, during the presiding judge's leave of absence, the Istanbul 12th Heavy Criminal Court decided to review the case for a fourth time and found Ms. Selek guilty. On January 24, 2013, she was sentenced in absentia to aggravated life imprisonment. We have learned that an arrest warrant has since been issued for Ms. Selek and sent to Interpol.

Absent any additional or contrary information, the facts as described appear to indicate that Ms. Selek was arrested and charged as a result of nonviolent expressive activity and association with others, conduct which is expressly protected under international human rights instruments including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Turkey is a signatory, and the European Convention on Human Rights, to which Turkey is party.

Scholars at Risk therefore respectfully urges the appropriate authorities to ensure that Ms. Selek receives a fair opportunity to appeal this recent sentence before an impartial tribunal, that any charges or convictions related to her academic activities are lifted, and that in the interim, her case is addressed in a manner consistent with internationally recognized standards of due process, fair trial and detention, in accordance with Turkey's obligations under international law.

Take Action

Scholars at Risk invites letters, emails and faxes be sent:

- respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to ensure that Ms. Selek receives a fair opportunity to appeal this recent sentence before an impartial tribunal;

- respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to ensure that any charges or convictions related to her academic activities are lifted; and

- respectfully urging appropriate authorities to ensure that her case is addressed in a manner consistent with internationally recognized standards of due process, fair trial and detention, in accordance with Turkey's obligations under international law.

PLEASE WRITE TO:

President Abdullah Gül
Office of the President
Cumhurbaskanligi Kosku
Cankaya
Ankara, Turkey
Fax: +90 312 470 13 16

COPIES TO:

Mr. Sadullah Ergin
Minister of Justice
06669 Kizilay
Ankara, Turkey
Fax: +90 312 419 3370

The Honorable Navanethem Pillay
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland

The Honorable John F. Kerry
United States Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520, USA

The Honorable _________
Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to [YOUR COUNTRY]
[POSTAL ADDRESS]
[FAX]
[EMAIL]
(See http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkish-representations.en.mfa for a list of Turkish embassies worldwide.)

The Honorable _________
Ambassador of [YOUR COUNTRY] to the Republic of Turkey
[POSTAL ADDRESS]
[FAX]
[EMAIL]

Scholars at Risk
New York University
194 Mercer Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10012, USA
scholarsatrisk@nyu.edu
Fax: +1 212-995-4402

Scholars at Risk is concerned over public reports that Professor Ilham Tohti, a public intellectual and economics professor from China, was denied permission to leave China to take up a position as a Visiting Scholar at Indiana University in the United States.

SAR asks for letters, faxes and emails respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to inquire into the matter and explain publicly the circumstances of any restrictions on Professor Tohti's travel or, if there are no official restrictions, to expedite approval of any pending or future travel requests.

Scholars at Risk (SAR) is an international network of over 300 universities and colleges in 34 countries dedicated to promoting academic freedom and its constituent freedoms of thought, opinion, expression, association and travel. In cases involving alleged infringement of these freedoms, SAR intervenes hoping to clarify and resolve matters favorably.

Background

Professor Tohti is a professor at the Central Minorities University in Beijing, and he was invited by Indiana University to take up a one-year position as a Visiting Scholar. Scholars at Risk understands that Professor Tohti and his daughter attempted to depart for the United States on February 2nd but were prevented from boarding an outbound plane from Beijing Capital International Airport. Reports indicate that Professor Tohti and his daughter were going through airport security checks when they were stopped by police. Furthermore, SAR understands that Professor Tohti and his daughter were held in separate interrogation rooms, and while Professor Tohti's daughter was permitted to depart for the United States on a later flight, Professor Tohti was held in custody for 10 hours, before being sent back to his apartment without explanation.

Free exchange of ideas is one of the most basic human rights and values of all academic communities. Freedom of travel is one of the most important avenues for furthering such exchange among academic colleagues. Recognizing this, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which China is a signatory, protects freedom of expression, right to travel and scientific exchange. Public reports that Professor Tohti was denied permission to travel to take up a position at Indiana University suggest that these rights have not been respected. Therefore, in the absence of any clearly legitimate, publicly expressed grounds for doing so, the apparent restricting of Professor Tohti's travel suggests serious concerns not only about his ability to engage with colleagues in his field, but also about intimidation of intellectuals generally in China and about the ability to conduct world-class scholarship in such an environment. These are suggestions SAR finds particularly distressing given both China's rich intellectual history and the important role that China and Chinese universities and scholars in particular should play in the development of knowledge, research and scholarship in the 21st century.

Scholars at Risk therefore respectfully urges the appropriate authorities to investigate the situation and to explain publicly the circumstances of any restrictions on Professor Tohti's travel or, if there are no official restrictions, to expedite approval of any pending or future travel requests.

Take Action

Scholars at Risk invites letters, emails and faxes be sent:

- respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to investigate the situation;

- respectfully urging the appropriate authorities to explain publicly the circumstances of any restrictions on Professor Tohti's travel; or, if there are no official restrictions, to expedite approval of any pending or future travel requests.

PLEASE WRITE TO:

President Hu Jintao
The State Council General Office
2 Fuyoujie
Xichengqu
Beijingshi 100017
People's Republic of China

COPIES TO:

H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
No. 2, Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100701
CHINA
Email: webmaster@mfa.gov.cn

The Honorable _________
Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to [YOUR COUNTRY]
[POSTAL ADDRESS]
[FAX]
[EMAIL]
(See http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zwjg/ for a list of Chinese embassies worldwide.)

The Honorable _________
Ambassador of [YOUR COUNTRY] to the People's Republic of China
[POSTAL ADDRESS]
[FAX]
[EMAIL]

The Honorable John F. Kerry
Secretary of State
United States of America
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520 USA

Scholars at Risk
New York University
194 Mercer Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10012, USA
Email: scholarsatrisk@nyu.edu
Fax: +1 212-995-4402

(page updated 05/20/2013)