By Below are the 10 FAQs about the ‘what’s, ‘why’s and ‘how’s of the most recent call that we extend to the international academic community to support the academics in Turkey who have been encountering a variety of increasingly repressive measures just because they asked for peace.
1- What is it now?
Now, it is about the series of lawsuits against the academics on an individual basis. Because the academics had signed the Peace Petition that went public in January 2016 they are sued within the scope of the Law on Struggle Against Terror (TMK 7/2). Read The Bill of Indictment.
2- Are the academics involved in any terroristic activities?
No. The academics had just asked for peace. (Read the petition)
3- Are all the signatories sued?
No. As of November 20, 2017, less than 10% of the signatories (2212) were sued. But the fact that the number increases on a daily basis is telling about the state of affairs.
4- So, is there a specific reason for the selection of certain signatory academics?
No. It is totally arbitrary.
5- Why is this happening in Turkey?
This incessant repression on academics who stand for peace in Turkey is certainly related to the specificities of the political state of affairs in the country. But limitations on academic freedom is not restricted to Turkey. Different forms of authoritarianism are on the rise globally.
Mutato nomine, de te fabula narratur.
6- Why should I care about the lawsuits against the academics in Turkey?
Because they are your colleagues, and because their rights are violated.
Mutato nomine, de te fabula narratur.
7- Why should I worry about it?
Once the breach on academic freedom and/or freedom of speech is tolerated in any context academic freedom and/or freedom of speech comes under risk at a global level. So, the breach is everyone’s business, and the business of each of us.
Mutato nomine, de te fabula narratur.
8- How can I support?
- Sign the boycott petition
- Contact your colleagues, institutions, unions, rights-based organizations to publicize the truth about the facts of academic life in Turkey.
- Monitor the lawsuits wherever and however you can.
- Contact the relevant organizations to ensure that they monitor, too.
- Financially support the peace academics through the existing solidarity campaign
9- So, is there an optimistic scenario out of this?
Continuing with growing solidarity is a reason for optimism on its own.
10- Where can I get more information?
You can email bakuluslararasi@gmail.com and read The Call for Solidarity of Peace Academics
