On April 14, 2026, a group of individuals armed with machetes attacked Ege University (EU) students, injuring approximately 20.

The injuries took place in two consecutive attacks. allegedly carried about members of an ultranationalist group, the Gray Wolves. Most of the attackers not students. The first attack occurred at the EU metro station, where a a group of students was handing out leaflets on behalf of the Student Union. Three students were injured and taken to the EU Faculty of Medicine Hospital on the university’s campus.

Following that attack, students reported that EU private security guards permitted the attackers back onto EU’s campus, where they attacked a group of students who had gathered outside of the hospital and were waiting to visit those injured. An additional 19 students were reportedly injured in the second attack.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violent attacks against students exercising their right to free expression and assembly on campus. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. State authorities should take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of scholars, students, and staff, including by investigating and holding perpetrators of such acts responsible, in line with international human rights standards. In addition to the harm to the immediate victims, such actions undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
https://english.anf-news.com/news/ultra-nationalists-attack-students-handing-out-leaflets-with-machetes-at-ege-university-84927
https://www.birgun.net/haber/izmir-de-bildiri-dagitan-ogrencilere-palali-saldiri-705851
https://bianet.org/haber/ege-universitesinde-ogrencilere-palali-ulkucu-saldirisi-21-ogrenci-yaralandi-318717