We the undersigned academics in Germany are deeply concerned about the recent prosecutions of academics in Turkey. 1,128 ‘Academics for Peace’ originally signed the statement “We will not be a party to this crime”, calling on the Turkish government to cease hostilities against its own citizens. Since the publication of this statement, these academics have been subject to a sustained campaign of abuse and violence from both the Turkish state and its supporters. This has resulted in several academics being taken into custody under the provisions of anti-terrorism legislation, Signatories have also been publicly exposed in the press and social media by government supporters and nationalists, leading to fears of reprisals from notorious criminals that have declared they will ‘spill the blood’ of the signatories. Many of the signatories also face disciplinary proceedings and possible sackings from their institutions.

We urgently call on the Turkish government to withdraw its prosecutions, immediately release all those imprisoned and commit to the principles of academic freedom and free speech.

Related information:

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