Written by Karl Blanchet

As academics, we are concerned about the lack of freedom of movement and expression currently being experienced by our peers in Turkey. The mass crackdown initiated by the government following the coup attempt has touched every sector including universities. About 1,577 Deans (department heads) of University have been asked to resign in addition to 21,000 teachers and 15,000 officials from Ministry of Education. This has been combined with a travel ban for all academics and for those already abroad, they have been asked to immediately return to Turkey. We urge Turkish authorities to respect the rule of Law, protect and respect the work conducted by Turkish academics and allow them to continue to work in a spirit of democratic freedom without fear of intimidation.