Science Academy concerned over freedom of expression

ISTANBUL

Science Academy, a Turkish NGO, said in a written statement that it is concerned over the reactions to a recent petition by some 1,128 academics and detentions that came after, saying that blocking ideas would result in intellectual, social and economic standstill.

“As the Science Academy, we are observing in great concern and sadness the incidents that developed upon a petition titled '‘We won’t be part of this crime' and signed by more than 1,000 academics,” is said in a written statement.

“As it is the case for all citizens, it is a basic freedom for all scientists to express their ideas how disturbing or in minority they are,” it said.

“Taking this right from them will eventually result in intellectual regression and social and economic standstill, as the European Council also puts it,” the NGO said, adding that it was ready to support freedom of expression to universities.

Turkish police detained Jan. 15 dozens of academics who signed a petition calling for an end to military operations in southeastern Anatolia, while more than 130 academics are facing criminal charges. The moves come just days after President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan slammed the signatories for making “terrorist propaganda.”