Monitoring Incidents

Reporting by SAR's Academic Freedom Monitoring Project of attacks on higher education communities around the world.

Ethiopian scholar arrested following human rights meeting

On December 1, 2016, Ethiopian security forces reportedly arrested Merera Gudina, a former professor of political science at Addis Ababa University and the chair of the Oromo Federalist Congress, following his return from Belgium, where he had spoken to EU

Turkey: 1,184 University Personnel Dismissed in Emergency Decree

On November 22, 2016, Turkish authorities issued a decree ordering the dismissal of 242 academic personnel and 942 higher education administrative personnel, on suspicion of connection to a violent coup attempt on July 15.

Student protesters shot with rubber bullets, at close range, in Wits University

On October 20, 2016, police officers reportedly shot rubber bullets at students engaged in a protest at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits University). At least four students were reportedly shot, one of them as many as ten times, at close

1,267 Academics dismissed, 68 students abroad expelled, says Turkey decree

On October 29, 2016, Turkish authorities issued a decree ordering the dismissal of 1,267 academic personnel, and the expulsion of 68 students studying abroad, on suspicion that they were connected to a violent coup attempt on July 15. Authorities have

University Aleppo struck by rebels’ rockets

On October 4, 2016, rebel troops in Syria reportedly launched rocket attacks targeting buildings on the campus of the University of Aleppo. The university is located in an area currently controlled by the Syrian regime.

Militants attack college in Balochistan, killing 61

On October 24, 2016, a group of armed militants stormed and attacked Balochistan Police College (BPC), in Quetta, killing at least 61 people and injuring at least 120.

Scholar’s contract terminated, student projects destroyed

In late August 2016, the Germany University in Cairo (GUC) reportedly terminated its contract with Tarek Abol Naga, a professor of architecture, in apparent response to student projects he supervised.

31 Istanbul University scholars detained in putsch aftermath

On July 24 and 25, 2016, Turkish authorities reportedly detained 31 scholars from Istanbul University on suspicion of membership to Turkey’s Gülenist movement.

Hong Kong PolyU scholar is facing disciplinary proceedings over ‘hawking’ protest

Hong Kong Polytechnic University launched disciplinary proceedings against Dr. Lau Siu-lai in connection to a solidarity protest she led in support of street vendors seeking to avoid eviction.

Student activists arrested over leaflet distribution

On August 6, 2016, a group of Thai police officers, soldiers and government officials reportedly arrested student activists "Pai" Chaturapat Boonyapatraksa and Wasin Prommanee for distributing leaflets critical of Thailand’s draft constitution.

Biology Professor Terminated After Public Commentary

On July 29, 2016, Roxana Pey, a professor of Biology who had been appointed rector of the University of Aysen in southern Chile, was terminated from that four-year appointment, reportedly in retaliation for her public commentary on the Chilean government’s