Complicit Universities

Download the file (complicituni_4august) to read more about the violations of freedom of speech and academic freedom in Turkey.

University	Website
Abant İzzet Baysal University	ibu.edu.tr
Abdullah Gül University**	agu.edu.tr
Adana Bilim ve Teknoloji University	adanabtu.edu.tr
Adıyaman University	adiyaman.edu.tr
Adnan Menderes University	adu.edu.tr
Afyon Kocatepe University	aku.edu.tr
Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University**	agri.edu.tr
Ahi Evran University	ahievran.edu.tr
Akdeniz University	akdeniz.edu.tr
Aksaray University	aksaray.edu.tr
Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Altınbaş University	alanyaaku.edu.tr kemerburgaz.edu.tr
Amasya University	amasya.edu.tr
Anadolu University	anadolu.edu.tr
Anka Teknoloji University
Ankara University	ankara.edu.tr
Ardahan University	ardahan.edu.tr
Artvin Çoruh University	artvin.edu.tr
Atatürk University	atauni.edu.tr
Avrasya University	avrasya.edu.tr/
Bahçeşehir University	bahcesehir.edu.tr
Balıkesir University	balikesir.edu.tr
Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University	bandirma.edu.tr
Bartın University	bartin.edu.tr
Batman University	batman.edu.tr
Bayburt University	bayburt.edu.tr
Beykent University	beykent.edu.tr
Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University**	bilecik.edu.tr
Bingöl University	bingol.edu.tr
Bitlis Eren University	beu.edu.tr
Bozok University	bozok.edu.tr
Bülent Ecevit University**	beun.edu.tr
Bursa Teknik University	btu.edu.tr
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University	comu.edu.tr
Çankırı Karatekin University	karatekin.edu.tr
Celal Bayar University	bayar.edu.tr
Çukurova University	cu.edu.tr
Cumhuriyet University	cumhuriyet.edu.tr
Dicle University	dicle.edu.tr
Doğuş University	dogus.edu.tr
Dokuz Eylül University	deu.edu.tr
Dumlupınar University	dpu.edu.tr
Düzce University	duzce.edu.tr
Ege University	ege.edu.tr
Erciyes University	erciyes.edu.tr
Erzincan University	erzincan.edu.tr
Erzurum Teknik University	erzurum.edu.tr
Eskişehir Osmangazi University	ogu.edu.tr
Fatih Sultan Mehmet University	fatihsultan.edu.tr
Fırat University	firat.edu.tr
Gazi University	gazi.edu.tr
Gaziantep University	gantep.edu.tr
Gaziosmanpaşa University	gop.edu.tr
Gebze Teknik University	gtu.edu.tr
Giresun University	giresun.edu.tr
Hakkari University	hakkari.edu.tr
Harran University	harran.edu.tr
Hitit University	hitit.edu.tr
Iğdır University	igdir.edu.tr
İnönü University	inonu.edu.tr
Işık University	isikun.edu.tr
İskenderun Teknik University	iste.edu.tr
İstanbul 29 Mayıs University	29mayis.edu.tr/
İstanbul Aydın University	aydin.edu.tr
İstanbul Ayvansaray University	ayvansaray.edu.tr
İstanbul Bilim University	istanbulbilim.edu.tr
İstanbul Gelişim University	gelisim.edu.tr
İstanbul Medeniyet University	medeniyet.edu.tr
İstanbul Teknik University	itu.edu.tr
İstanbul Ticaret University	iticu.edu.tr
İstanbul University	istanbul.edu.tr
İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University	ikc.edu.tr
İzmir Yüksek Teknoloji Enstitüsü	iyte.edu.tr
Kafkas University	kafkas.edu.tr
Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University	ksu.edu.tr
Karabük University	karabuk.edu.tr
Karadeniz Teknik University	ktu.edu.tr
Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University	kmu.edu.tr
Kastamonu University	kastamonu.edu.tr
Kilis 7 Aralık University	kilis.edu.tr
Kırıkkale University	kku.edu.tr
Kocaeli University	kocaeli.edu.tr
Maltepe University	maltepe.edu.tr
Mardin Artuklu University	artuklu.edu.tr
Marmara University	marmara.edu.tr
Mehmet Akif Ersoy University	mehmetakif.edu.tr
Mersin University	mersin.edu.tr
Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University	mu.edu.tr
Muş Alparslan University	alparslan.edu.tr
Mustafa Kemal University	mku.edu.tr
Necmettin Erbakan University**	konya.edu.tr
Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University	nevsehir.edu.tr
Niğde University — Ömer Halisdemir University	nigde.edu.tr
Nişantaşı University	nisantasi.edu.tr
Ondokuz Mayıs University	omu.edu.tr
Ordu University	odu.edu.tr
Osmaniye Korkut Ata University	osmaniye.edu.tr
Pamukkale University	pamukkale.edu.tr
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University**	erdogan.edu.tr
Selçuk University	selcuk.edu.tr
Siirt University	siirt.edu.tr
Sinop University	sinop.edu.tr
Şırnak University	sirnak.edu.tr
Süleyman Demirel University	sdu.edu.tr
Toros University	toros.edu.tr
Trakya University	trakya.edu.tr
Tunceli University	tunceli.edu.tr
Türk Alman University	tau.edu.tr
Uludağ University	uludag.edu.tr
Uşak University	usak.edu.tr
Yalova University	yalova.edu.tr
Yeditepe University	yeditepe.edu.tr
Yeni Yüzyıl University	yeniyuzyil.edu.tr
Yıldırım Beyazıt University	ybu.edu.tr
Yıldız Teknik University	yildiz.edu.tr
Yüzüncü Yıl University	yyu.edu.tr
Yasar University	yasar.edu.tr
* Open and distance education units are not included
** Change of name

Updated: May 15, 2017

ACADEMICS FOR PEACE

REPORT of the SOLIDARITY GROUP

Organization of the report:

Background
Prosecutorial Investigations and Due Process (based on province/city)
Disciplinary Investigations by University Administrations (Firing or suspension from work/Forced Resignation—based on university)
Threats and Targeting
Urgent Needs and Demands
Some Concluding Remarks
Post-July 15, 2016

– Decree-Laws

– Prosecutorial Investigations

– Disciplinary Investigations (firing & suspension)

ÜAK-YÖK (Interuniversity Council; Council of Higher Education)

CURRENT SITUATION: Violations of human rights, freedom of speech and academic freedom following the declaration, “We will not be a party to this crime…”

BACKGROUND

The declaration of the Academics for Peace (Barış İçin Akademisyenler, BAK) entitled “We will not be a party to this crime” was signed by 1128 academics, a majority of whom work in institutions of higher education in Turkey, and it was made public on January 11, 2016 in two press conferences held simultaneously in Ankara and Istanbul. In the days following the press conference, signatories from 89 universities across Turkey faced accusations such as “supporters of terror”, “traitors”, “straw or copy intellectuals” in public statements made by the President of the Republic, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over national broadcast networks, as well as several other government authorities, such as the Council of Higher Education (CoHE), the Inter-university Council, and by various university presidents. Nonetheless, one thousand more academics joined in signing the declaration, almost doubling the original number to 2212.

Lynchings against signatories took place in several university towns, in the form of numerous threats, intimidation and targeting, putting the life of the academics at risk. ,, Some of the university administrations initiated disciplinary interrogations for signatories, some taking extralegal action such as firing, “preventive suspension,” or banning the signatories to enter university campus, thus violating the right to work of many professors, associate and assistant professors, teaching assistants, lecturers and researchers. , In several cases individual academics were called to the local police or the prosecutor’s office to give their statement about why they had signed the declaration.

The whole process reflected the further deterioration and dissolution of freedom of expression, academic autonomy and freedom in Turkey. The signatories will be brought to court under Article 7 of the Anti-terror Law (Terörle Mücadele Kanunu, TMK) for “propagandizing in favor of the terrorist organization” and/or under the Articles 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (Türk Ceza Kanunu, TCK) for “insulting Turkishness.” .

This report is an attempt to compile de jure and de facto violations of rights that academics and researchers faced following the press conference on January 11, 2016. It also recounts the most urgent needs in terms of safety of life, security of work, legal support and formation of supportive networks.

PROSECUTORIAL INVESTIGATIONS AND DUE PROCESS

After the press release of Academics for Peace, public prosecutors in many cities started investigations and prosecutions for the signatories based on the various articles of the Turkish penal codes TMK and TCK. Searches were warranted for the offices and houses of the academics, and the signatories were taken into custody in Bolu, Düzce, Kocaeli, Bursa and Van. As of January 20, 2016, after testimonies, no arrest had taken place.

On March 14, three academics were taken into custody after reading a short press release in Istanbul on March 10, which re-stated the will to peace, and announced solidarity with colleagues whose rights had been violated. One of the academics who also read part of the declaration was not taken into custody at that time, because she was abroad. On March 15, the three academics were arrested after a court hearing. On March 31, the fourth academic was arrested upon her return to Turkey.

(Update: December 22, 2016): In the third hearing the Ministry of Justice has not sent the permission for the case to be held within the scope of the Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. The Court decided to wait for the permission and decided that the fourth hearing shall be on March 30, 2017.

Below are examples of prosecutorial investigations and unlawful treatments the signatories have faced, classified based on the city where their universities are located.

Antalya

Eight signatory academics at Antalya University submitted their statements at the Prosecutor’s Office. One of the 3 signatories who had withdrawn their signatures was also called to and did submit a statement (Update: August 1, 2016).

Antep

It has been reported that the Prosecutor’s Office started an investigation about the signatories at Gaziantep University.

Bartın

The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Bartın started investigating a signatory academic with the allegation of “publicly humiliating the Turkish nation, the Republic and Turkish Grand National Assembly and propagandizing a terrorist organization.”

Batman

(Update: April 28, 2016): Investigations against five academics in Batman University were started. Four of the signatories withdrew their signatures in due course. The only signatory left submitted a written statement to the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Bingöl

(Update: April 14, 2016): The only signatory at Bingöl University, who is currently abroad, found out informally that two cases were opened on the basis of “driving people to hate and enmity,” and “propagandizing for a terrorist organization.”

Bolu

The signatories at Abant İzzet Baysal University were searched and seized at their houses without a warrant, and their statements were taken.

(Update: October 31, 2016): Signatories at Abant İzzet Baysal University were targeted in the local press. The related piece on the newspaper named the signatories as supporters of the PKK and addressed the university administration asking why the signatories are still in their offices. The signatories filed complaint to the prosecutor’s office.

Bursa

A criminal investigation was started against the 3 signatory academics, before a disciplinary investigation. The academics were released after submitting their written statements to the Prosecutor’s Office.

Diyarbakır

A judicial investigation was started against the signatories at Dicle University.

Düzce

The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Düzce started an investigation against the only signatory at Düzce University, and issued a warrant. The academic’s house was searched by the police, while she was away. The Prosecutor filed a lawsuit, and the academic submitted a statement, however, she was banned from leaving the country until the case was finalized in court. The appeal for the ban was refused by the higher court several times.

Edirne

A Ph.D. student at Trakya University and a school teacher submitted her statement to the Prosecutor’s Office in Edirne on January 19, 2016.

Erzincan

A judicial investigation was started against the only signatory at Erzincan University, who was called to submit a statement by the Prosecutor’s Office. The academic was first taken to the Unit of Fight Against Terrorism, and then submitted a statement directly to the Chief Prosecutor.

Erzurum

A judicial investigation against the only signatory at Atatürk University was started by the Prosecutor’s Office. The signatory academic was released after submitting a written statement. However, he was banned from leaving the country until the case was finalized in court.

Eskişehir

The judicial investigation against the signatories at Anadolu University was sent to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul, due to rejection of venue. The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Eskişehir indicated orally that the same will be done for the signatories’ file from Eskişehir Osmangazi University.

Hakkari

A signatory from Hakkari University was taken into custody as part of the ongoing investigation started by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, and was released after submitting a statement to the Public Prosecutor.

İstanbul

The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul started an ex officio investigation against 123 signatory academics.

The Anadolu Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office also started an ex officio investigation against the 82 signatory academics who work in the universities that fall within the jurisdiction of the Prosecutor’s Office. According to the information released, the investigation will be processed on the basis of the Articles 301 and 216 of the TCK and Article 7 of the TMK.

Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office started an investigation against the signatories on the basis of “propagandizing for terrorist organization”. In a declaration issued by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office it is noted that “an investigation was started against those academics who work at the universities that fall within the Bakırköy jurisdiction”. Accordingly, there are 41 academics who fall within the scope of Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s jurisdiction.

As indicated in the introductory paragraphs above, on March 14, three academics were taken into custody, 4 days after they had read a short press release, re-stating the will to peace, and announcing solidarity with colleagues whose rights had been violated. A fourth academic who had also read part of the press release was not immediately taken into custody, as she was abroad. The three academics were arrested on March 15, after a court hearing. On March 31, the fourth academic was arrested upon her return to Turkey.

A professor from Bilgi University, who is a British citizen, came to the court hearing on March 15 in support of the three colleagues, but was taken into custody for “propagandizing terror.” When he was offered the choices of immediately leaving the country or staying in custody, he had to leave for the UK on March 16, 2016 (he has since returned to Turkey and started back his job at the university).

At Işık University there were a total 10 signatories (8 first round; 2 second round). 5 of the signatories submitted their statements at the Security Headquarters and/or Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office (Update: April 27, 2016).

The only signatory from Fatih Sultan Mehmet University submitted a statement at the Security Headquarters in İstanbul. The academic stated that “I signed the text dated January 11, 2016 because I wanted the consolidation of the right to live in peace in my country. The text is within the scope of freedom of thought and expression, and does not constitute a crime. I reject the allegations” (Update April 27, 2016).

After the only signatory at Fatih University moved abroad, her father was notified by the Security Headquarters that she had to submit a statement at the Headquarters.

İzmir

Thirty-seven signatory academics in İzmir were investigated by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office. The Prosecutor sent the file to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office in İstanbul due to a decision of rejection of venue (Update: April 26, 2016).

Kırklareli

The three academics from Kırklareli University submitted their statements at the Prosecutor’s Office as part of a judicial investigation (Update: April 14, 2016).

Kocaeli

Twenty-one academics submitted their statement as part of an investigation carried out by the Kocaeli Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, on the basis of Article 301 of TCK and Article 7 of TMK.

Mardin

The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Mardin started judicial investigation against signatory academics on January 14, 2016. All signatories (mostly between January 20-21) submitted their statements at the Unit of Fight Against Terrorism. The files of the signatories were sent to the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Istanbul upon rejection of venue.

Mersin

(Update: April 26, 2016): Three signatory academics at Mersin University are being sued with the allegations of defaming the President of the Republic in their Facebook posts. A note was included in the file that they were also being investigated under the Turkish Penal Code Law No 301.

(Update: August 14, 2016): The 2nd Criminal Court of Mersin filed a second lawsuit for 4 academics from the same university with the allegations of “propagandizing for a terrorist organization” and “provoking people for hatred and enmity.” The first hearing of this lawsuit was held on July 12, when it was postponed to October 2016.

Muğla

Judicial investigation was started against nine academics who signed the petition from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. They submitted their statements at the prosecutor’s office, as of August 1, 2016.

Sakarya

(Update: February 9, 2016): Judicial investigation was started against three signatories from Sakarya University. All submitted their statements to the Office of the Prosecutor.

Samsun

The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Samsun started an ex officio investigation against the seven signatory academics. In a declaration issued by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office it is stated that “the text of the declaration, in terms of its content, might comprise the crimes of ‘propagandizing for terrorist organization,’ as drawn in Article 7/2 of the TMK and ‘publicly humiliating the State of the Turkish Republic and the institutions and organs of the state.” The academics submitted their written statements. (As of March 21, the academics’ files had not been sent to Istanbul, due bureaucratic procedures)

Van

Four signatory academics from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University submitted their written statements both at the Security General Directorate and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the 8 signatories submitted their written statements either at the Security General Directorate or Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Yalova

(Update: January 31, 2016): Three academics at Yalova University were informed that a judiciary investigation had been started, but when they went to the prosecutor’s office, they were notified that there was no investigation yet. The academics’ lawyers found out through the Security Directorate that the Security Press Department will be filing a criminal complaint.

Zonguldak

The prosecutor’s office started judiciary investigation about the only signatory.

Disciplinary Investigations by the University Administrations (Firing or suspension from work/Forced Resignation)

The presidents of majority of the universities considered the statements of the President, the Prime Minister, CoHE, and Inter-University Council as mandate, and without any legal basis started disciplinary investigation processes against the signatories.

The majority of the signatories hold posts at public universities, where employee personal rights are defined within the scope of the Law on Civil Servants (No. 657) and Law on Higher Education (No. 2547). Many of these academics faced disciplinary investigations, suspension from work, death threats, indicting a lack of life and work security in the public universities.

Of the first 1128 signatories, 216 worked at universities that were owned by a private foundation. The academics who work at these universities are among those who most frequently faced dismissal from work or were forced to resign by the university administrations. Some were forced to resign on the very same day when the press release was made (January 11, 2016). Instances of dismissal from work, rapidly increasing especially at foundation/private universities, result from the fact that job security is very limited at these institutions.

The following count is in alphabetical order by university name (It is indicated in parenthesis if the university is not public but owned by a foundation).

Abant İzzet Baysal University

The President of the Abant İzzet Baysal University issued a press declaration stating that “It is not possible to approve or accept this declaration. Neither is it acceptable that our academicians sign such a declaration. Necessary investigations have been started and will be pursued in accordance with the regulations.” The President’s office started disciplinary investigations, which are still in underway.

Update (December 22, 2016): No new development has taken place. The academics have not received any written notification.

(Update: December 22, 2016): The university administration started disciplinary investigation against the academics who signed the Peace Declaration when it was opened to signatures for the second time (Date of notification: November 29, 2016).

Abdullah Gül University

The only signatory at this university was asked to resign on the very first day after the press declaration. The academic did not comply with the request, and disciplinary investigation was started.

Adnan Menderes University

Adnan Menderes University accepted the declaration by the CoHE Interuniversity Council, which accused the signatory academics as “supporters of terror” and declared that “we would like to inform the public that we will fulfill our responsibility as Adnan Menderes University, and that we stand with our state and nation.”

The University Administration started disciplinary investigation against the 3 signatory academics (Update: April 28, 2016). One signatory was deemed resigned and was dismissed from her/his post at the university. One other signatory was suspended from work 2 times.

Adıyaman University

The university administration started a disciplinary investigation against 3 academics, who have submitted written statements. The disciplinary investigation files were sent to CoHE, with the recommendation that the academics be “dismissed from teaching positions at the university” or “from public office.” The academics were not notified about the defense date (Update: July 4, 2016).

Four signatory academics were suspended from duty. The decision was justified on Article 17 of Law No. 657. No time span was specified (Update: August 22, 2016).

Akdeniz University

Disciplinary investigation against 9 (+2) academics was started, and the academics submitted their written statements. One of the signatories was forced to resign from a post as vice director.

Akdeniz University Disciplinary Committee (composed of the president of the university, vice-presidents and the deans) deemed 8 academics punishable by “dismissal from public office.” (Update: April 26, 2016).

Their disciplinary investigation files were sent to the CoHE with the recommendation of “dismissal from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academics have not been yet notified a defense date (Update: July 4, 2016).

Anadolu University

Disciplinary investigation against 16 signatories was started, but no official written notice was sent to them immediately.

The 16 signatories, who had signed the petition the first time around, submitted their statements between February 4-5, 2016. Investigations were started against 13 signatories from the second round by February 17. A research assistant was suspended.

Ankara University

The University president started disciplinary investigation against 124 signatory academics. The academics submitted their written statements (Update: February 11, 2016).

Ankara Social Sciences University (foundation-owned)

The two signatory academics were called back, who were appointed as research assistants at Ankara University and Middle East Technical University (METU), as part of the Teaching Staff Training Program (ÖYP). One academic had already been subjected to disciplinary investigation. The other academic was not subjected to investigation at METU. Ankara Social Science University also started disciplinary investigation against them. However, it is clear that the process cannot be carried out due to timeout, since more than 6 months had passed after the commitment of the deed subject to investigation (Update: August 3, 2016).

Artvin Çoruh University

Disciplinary investigation against a signatory academic was completed, and dismissal from public office and teaching was recommended by the investigator. The academic was asked to submit a defense.

Atatürk University

Disciplinary investigation was started against the only signatory at the university, and he was suspended from his post (Update: February 7, 2016). His file was sent to CoHE, with the recommendation to “dismiss from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academic was called to submit a defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016 (which was later postponed indefinitely).

Bahçeşehir University (foundation-owned)

The University Senate issued a declaration through social media announcing that it “approaches” the petition “with hatred”.

Disciplinary investigation was started against the signatory academics, who submitted their written statements on February 24, 2016 (Update: March 6, 2016).

The contract of a signatory who had been working as part time lecturer was not extended. The same academic was among those from Nişantaşı University who were fired due to the petition.

Bartın University

The President of the University issued a public declaration, stating that they “support the righteous struggle of our state against terror”. The signatory academic was suspended from post as department head.

As of March 5, 2016, the signatory academic’s contract was not extended. The decision was based on the following reasons: “1. A judicial investigation is underway against the signatory with the allegation of “propagandizing for a terrorist organization,” and the unit is notified about its responsibility to assess and perform what is required 2. A disciplinary investigation was started because of disciplinary deeds specified in the articles 125/Ea and b of the Law on Civil Servants (Law No. 657), and based on the orders specified in the circular entitled ‘On the Civil Servants Related to the Organizations and Structures which Threaten National Security’ a proposal was made to the higher disciplinary committee for her/his “punishment by dismissal from public office.”

(Update: July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation file of the signatory academic was sent to CoHE, with the demand to “dismiss from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academic was called to submit a defense on July 19-20, 2016.

(Update: January 30, 2017): The files related to the signatory academic’s appeal to the court against her/his suspension from the post of department head and the termination of her/his contract were merged; the related file was misguidingly sent to the Constitutional Court, and was closed down in April 2016. The academic demanded her/his file back; s/he will reopen the case.

Başkent University (foundation-owned)

(Update: February 3, 2016): The only signatory academic was suspended from work, but was called back to duty by the President of the University because of the fact that there was need for lecturers in the Spring semester.

Batman University

There were 5 academics initially who signed the peace petition. After the university started a disciplinary investigation against them, 4 academics pulled back their signatures.

The only signatory was informed by a written notice from the Dean’s Office of the School of Engineering and Architecture that she was suspended from her post as the Chair of the Department of Architecture as of April 27, 2016 until the judiciary and disciplinary investigations were finalized. She submitted her written defense to the University Administration.

Beykent University (foundation-owned)

(Update: July 4, 2016): Disciplinary investigation was started against two of the three signatory academics, and their files were sent to CoHE, with the recommendation for “dismissal from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academics were called to submit a defense on July 19-20, 2016.

Bingöl University

The only signatory at Bingöl Üniversity, was subjected to disciplinary investigation on the accusation that s/he was late to work between December 14, 2016 – January 15, 2016. Video records were used as evidence to prove that the academic came in late, and s/he was punished by salary cut. (In Turkey academic working hours are flexible as elsewhere—it is unheard of to conduct an investigation and punish an academic for being late to work.)

S/he was also subjected to aggressive treatment and mobbing by colleagues and students. A colleague working in the same department filed information about the signatory’s past and current political activities to the Rector’s Office with the claim that these acts were criminal.

S/he has been abroad since early March, and submitted her resignation from abroad.

(Update July 4, 2016): Her/his file was sent to the CoHE, with the recommendation of “dismissal from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academic was called to submit a defense on July 19-20, 2016.

Bülent Ecevit University

The University administration started investigation against the only signatory academic at the university. The academic was dismissed from her/his administrative post. The course she was expected to teach in Spring 2016 was cancelled.

Çankaya University (foundation-owned)

The three signatory academics were subjected to an administrative procedure, which was named a Q&A process by the authorities, and the questions asked were as follows: 1. Did you read the declaration? 2. How did you get access to the text? 3. Did you actually sign the text or did you note that you give your signature for the text? The academics submitted their answers in written format to the Dean’s offices (Update: March 11, 2016):

Çankırı Karatekin University

There are no signatories of the Peace Declaration at this university. However, one academic signed a petition on “Freedom of Expression” that was released in support of the freedom of expression of the academics who had signed the Peace Declaration. A disciplinary investigation was started against this academic, who was also targeted in the local press. The investigator recommended “dismissal from public office.” The academic was demanded to submit a written defense. When the academic asked access to the investigation file, there was no response from the Dean’s Office, as of April 26, 2016.

(Update: April 30, 2016): The academic later received the investigation file. In the file the investigator had first stated that he had demanded to withdraw from the assignment of investigation, but his demand was rejected. The investigator recommended “warning”, according to the Article 125(e) of the Law on Civil Servants (No. 657). Here it should be noted that the related subclause (e) of the related article (125) of the related Law (No. 657) regulates removal from public office and not warning. The punishment of warning is regulated by the clause (a) of the Article 125 of the Law on Civil Servants.

Çukuova University

Disciplinary investigation against 3 academics, working at Çukurova University was started. The academics submitted their written statements.

Cumhuriyet University

Files of the 3 signatory academics at Cumhuriyet University were sent to the CoHE with the recommendation that they be punished by “dismissal from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.

Update (July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation files of the signatory academics were sent to CoHE, with the demand to “dismiss from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academics were called to submit defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016.

Update (August 11, 2016): 3 signatory academics were suspended from duty on August 9, 2016, within the scope of the State of Emergency that was declared in the aftermath of the attempt to military coup d’état (July 15, 2016).

Dicle University

Update (March 2, 2016): The University started disciplinary investigation against 24 academics. All the signatory academics received written notice of the investigation; and some submitted their written statements.

Update (April 1, 2016): Contract of one signatory academic was not renewed.

Update (May 17, 2016): It was decided that the 10 signatory academics at the Faculty of Sciences be punished by warning.

As of February 2016, the contract of one signatory academic with foreign citizenship was not renewed. The academic appealed to the court and the court decided stay of execution.

Doğuş University (foundation-owned)

Update (March 02, 2016): In Doğuş University disciplinary investigation was started against the first round of signatory academics (2).

One of the four signatories withdrew her/his signature within the first week, one of them as a doctoral student at another university has gone unheard by the university’s administration. A disciplinary investigation has been conducted and going on regarding the two signatories left. In the meantime one of them who is the Head of Department of Psychology has been temporarily dismissed from the post of chairperson.

The dismissal as a precautionary measure was issued to the signatory on February 12, 2016.

Update (May 3, 2016): The contract of two signatory academics contract were annulled by the university administration.

Dokuz Eylül University

Update (March 3, 2016): Disciplinary investigation was started only to one Ph.D. student.

Update (April 26, 2016): The President’s Office had started the disciplinary investigation process for all the signatory academics. However, since the appointed members of the investigation committee have been retrieving repeatedly from their posts the call for investigation cannot so far been handed to the related academics.

Update (July4, 2017):12 academics, who faced investigation for signing peace declaration, have been discharged from Dokuz Eylül University.

Düzce University

An academic who signed the petition for peace was disclosed by the post of Presidency of the university immediately after the press declaration, disciplinary investigation was started. It was decided that the related academic be suspended from work during the investigation (“preventive suspension.” Update (June 17, 2016): It is orally communicated that the file of the signatory academic was sent to the CoHE.

Update (July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation file of the signatory academic was sent to CoHE, with the demand to “dismiss from public office.” The academic was called to submit defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016.

Ege University

The University administration started investigations against the 10 signatory academics and 1 academic who had signed and later retrieved her/his signature from the petition. The academics were called to submit their statements on March 24, 2016.

Eskişehir Osmangazi University

A signatory within the scope of the Teaching Staff Training Program (ÖYP) was dismissed without any prior notification.

In due process disciplinary investigation was started. The post of the Presidency of the University declared that it demanded the suspension of the signatory academics from work and suspended an academic from the post of coordinatorship.

Update (April 30, 2016): The academic who was dismissed within the scope of the ÖYP appealed to the court for the stay of execution. The court decided for the stay of execution.

President of the Eskişehir Osmangazi University announced that he started “suspension from public office” investigation against the 8 academics who signed the petition. Besides, one of the signatories was dismissed from her/his post as International Relations Coordinator.

Update (February 2, 2016): Contract of 1 signatory academic (ÖYP status) at Eskişehir Osmangazi University was not renewed.

Update (April 30, 2016): The academic (ÖYP status) at Eskişehir Osmangazi University who was discharged, appealed to the court for the stay of execution and the court decided to her/his favor.

Erzincan University

Disciplinary investigation against the only signatory academic in Erzincan University was started. The academic was also called to answer questions regarding her/his social media posts.

Update (April 22, 2016): The academic was informed orally that the decision on his investigation, containing the punishment by “dismiss from teaching position at the university” or “from public office” was submitted to the CoHE.

Update (May 13, 2016): The only signatory academic who was suspended from work learned that s/he was re-assigned to her/his duty via phone call from the faculty secretary. The contract of the academic was extended for six (6) months.

Update (May 31, 2016): The investigation file of the academic was sent to the CoHE.

Fatih University (foundation-owned)

Update (March 12, 2016): At Fatih University, first an initial inquiry (pre-investigation/pre-inquiry) was conducted and in its aftermath it was decided that there was no need for carrying out an investigation against the only signatory academic. However, thenceforth the related academic was notified that it was inevitable to hold an investigation about her/him and s/he was recommended to take 3-months long unpaid leave. The academic took unpaid leave as of February 2016.

Update (April 27, 2016): The academic who is the only first round signatory at Fatih University and who was demanded to take unpaid leave for 3 months by February 2016, was asked to resign immediately in February 2016. She quitted job on mutual termination and her compensation was paid by the university. The academic notes that this might be a part of the general contract termination process since other academics who are not signatories were also asked to resign.

After the academic resigned the university administration notified her/him that a disciplinary investigation was started against her/him. The academic rejected the university’s notification on the grounds that s/he had already resigned.

The same academic went abroad upon invitation for research.

The university was closed down after July 15.

Fatih Sultan Mehmet University (foundation-owned)

The only signatory academic was first forced to resign, immediately the next day after the press declaration and then s/he was told that her/his employee personal rights would be acknowledged only if s/he resigns. She continued to reject resignation, and thus, her contract was not extended.

Galatasaray University

Update (April 26, 2016): At Galatasaray University 20 signatory academics were called for submitting their written defenses “pre-dialogue/conversation/meeting” by the investigator.

Gaziantep University

The Presidency of the Gaziantep University started disciplinary investigation; CoHE and prosecutorial investigations were also started. The President of the University declared that “such slogan-like and cheap discourses as ‘the state is involved in massacre’ for one’s own state are not compatible with scientific [stance] and academic freedom.”

Disciplinary investigation was started against the 4 signatory academics in the university. (1 among the 4 signatories withdrew from the Peace Declaration in due process.)

Update (March 10, 2016): A signatory academic who has been on sabbatical in SOAS (United Kingdom) was notified by phone and by e-mail that her/his appointment for research abroad was cancelled and s/he has to resume her duty in three (3) days time.

Update (July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation files of the 2 signatory academics were sent to CoHE, with the demand to “dismiss public office.” The academics were called to submit there defence on July 19-20, 2016.

Giresun University

Giresun University publicly declared that the academic who signed the BAK’s petition was suspended from work. In the declaration by the university it is said that “our university has urgently started investigation within the scope of the declaration that characterized the operations against the terrorist organization PKK as ‘massacre’ and that was issued to support terror, and decision of suspension from work was taken.”

Update: (January 26, 2016): In the investigations that are currently carried out, the 3 academics concerned, are called to be present during the investigation at the same time. Their individual statements are read out loud by the investigator into the group of the academics. According to the academic who shared her/his experience the academics–among other things–might probably be accused of “aiming to belittle the university.”

Update (May 31, 2016): The files of the related academics were sent to the CoHE.

Update (June 17, 2016): The 3 academics who were suspended from work were returned to their posts as of June 1, 2016.

Update (July 4, 2016): The disciplinary files of the 3 academics were sent to the CoHE with the demand to “dismiss from public office.” The academics were notified by the CoHE submit their defence at CoHE headquarters, in Ankara, on July 19-20, 2016.

Hacettepe University

The incumbent President of Hacettepe University, on the last day of his term in office, informed CoHE with an official letter that administrative procedure was started against the academics who signed the petition.

Update (March 2, 2016): The Presidency of Hacettepe University had started disciplinary investigation process investigation against 22 academics (“the first signatories”) in January 2016. The investigation was sent in written notification to the 22 academics and the academics were called to submit their written statements on March 17, 2016. Since one of the signatories is on sabbatical abroad the document was returned to the President’s Office.

Update (April 5, 2016): 24 academics at Hacettepe University were orally called for “pre-dialogue/conversation/meeting” by the investigator, who was appointed by the University Administration upon the CoHE’s note based on the “denouncement” by an unknown “source” to the Governorate of Ankara, which then conveyed the “denouncement” to CoHE. 23 of 24 academics went to the “pre-dialogue/conversation/pre-meeting” upon the demand of the investigator. 1 academic was and is abroad; s/he did not receive an oral call from the investigator. Among the 24 academics in this case, 1 is not a signatory; and 1 is not among the signatories who signed the petition when it was first circulated; rather s/he signed the petition in its second circulation as a support to the signatories against the threats and accusations.

(Update: January 30, 2017): The signatory academic who was abroad during the submission of the written statements by the other signatory academics returned the country and handed in her/his written statement to the investigation committee.

Hakkari University

Disciplinary investigation was started against the first and second round of signatories in the university (total 4 academics; 2 of the academics received written notification; 2 have not).

Judicial investigation was also started.

Update (July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation files of the 2 academics were sent to CoHE with the demand to “dismiss from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academics were called to submit a defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016.

Iğdır University

At Iğdır University disciplinary investigation was carried out against an academic who had already withdrawn her/his signature.

Update (May 31, 2016): The file of the signatory academic was sent to the CoHE.

Update (July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation file of the academic was sent to CoHE with the demand to “dismiss from public office.” The academic was called to submit defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016.

Işık University (foundation-owned)

Update (April 27, 2016): At (FVM) Işık University The signatories have not faced with an official disciplinary investigation. But they were called by the Vice-President and asked to send their defenses via e-mail.

İstanbul University

Disciplinary investigations were issued after 83 signatory academics supported the petition as of Feb. 3. An associate professor was suspended from her/his administrative post of directorship.

Update (February 11, 2016): At İstanbul University, immediately following the press declaration for peace the Rector’s Office sent written notice to the deans’ offices to suspend the administrative duties/posts of signatory academics. Directorship in research centers, executive board memberships and advisory board memberships, department head and vice-head positions are included in these administrative posts.

In this context, the director of the Research and Implementation Center for Women’s Problems was suspended from her administrative duty by the Rector’s Office. The post of the vice-director was automatically suspended with that of the director. Most of the executive board members of the center are also signatories. So their memberships were also suspended. In this respect, the center stands as the most hurt unit in the university, so far. Years of accumulation with considerable academic labour, engagement and energy was hampered.

The information about the signatory academics who are executive board and advisory board members in the other research centers, affiliated to the Rector’s Office was conveyed by the centers’ directorates to the Rector’s Office. These signatories also await suspension from duty.

In addition, one of the signatory department vice-heads resigned; two other vice-heads resist resignation and continue in their positions.

İstanbul Arel University (foundation-owned)

It was decided to start disciplinary investigation against the 9 signatory academics and that the signatory academics be suspended from work during the investigation process. However, since suspension from work can only hold for 60 days the decision was revoked and it was turned into periodic suspension. The solidarity of the university students and other academics in the university with the signatory academics was effective in this revocation.

Update (January 27, 2016): By the interim decision 9 academics returned to work. The investigation is continuing.

İstanbul Bilim University (foundation-owned)

A signatory academic was invited by the university president to resign. Upon her/his refusal the president told the academic that her/his contract will not be renewed in Spring 2016.

Update (March 12, 2016): 2 signatory academics were dismissed from work by the Executive Committee decision, dated Fabruary 29, 2016.

Update (July 4, 2016): In İstanbul Bilim University, the disciplinary investigation files of the 2 academics were sent to CoHE with the demand to “dismiss from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academics were called to submit defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016.

İstanbul Gelişim University (foundation-owned)

The only signatory academic (among the signatories in the second round when the Peace Declaration was opened to signatures for the second time after January 2016) was a part time faculty. S/he signed the contract with the university to teach courses throughout the 2015-2016 academic year.

The official request sent from the President’s Office to her/his workplace (Silivri Municipality) to renew her part time teaching faculty position was rejected by the municipality.

Although the University Administration was expected to renew its demand by a written note from the Municipality after the Peace Declaration such a note was not sent to the Municipality.

İstanbul Kültür University (foundation-owned)

Among the signatory academics, the academic whose status is fixed as “instructor salaried per course hour” was dismissed.

İstanbul Şehir University (foundation-owned)

Update (January 30, 2016): Disciplinary investigations were started in İstanbul Şehir University against the 4 (first round) signatory academics as of January 2016. The signatory academics submitted their written statements on February 2, 2016.

İstanbul Ticaret University (foundation-owned)

The only signatory academic was said to be fired. This information was received through news on the print media.

Update (February 23, 2016): At İstanbul Ticaret University, the only signatory academic’s contract is terminated on February 22, 2016, on the accusation that s/he insulted, imputed and directed false accusations against the university on social and conventional media.

İstanbul 29 Mayıs University (foundation-owned)

Written notice for the firing of 2 signatory academics was issued.

İzmir University (foundation-owned)

İzmir University started investigations against the two signatory academics. Update (February 17, 2016): İzmir University terminated the contract of a signatory academic without “compensation and prior notification.” The academician was notified about the termination of the contract on February 15, 2016.

İzmir Ekonomi University started investigations against the signatory academics (5). The University Administration did not start investigation against 1 first round signatory academic, employed as part time faculty. The University Administration started investigation against 1 second round full time signatory academic.

Update (May 17, 2017): At İzmir Ekonomi University it was decided that the 5 signatory academics against whom disciplinary investigation was started be punished with warning.

Update (April 28, 2016): 5 signatory academics against whom disciplinary investigation was started at İzmir Ekonomi University submitted their written defenses on March 25, 2016.

İzmir Yüksek Teknoloji Institute started investigations against the signatory academics (3).

Update (March 10, 2016): İzmir Yüksek Teknoloji Institute started investigations against the 2 academics who signed the peace petition in the second round of its circulation. Thus 5 signatory academics (first and second round signatories) are subjected to disciplinary investigation).

Kırklareli University

Disciplinary investigation was started against the 3 signatory academics at Kırklareli University. The Investigation Committee recommended punishment by reprimand. The academics submitted their written statement of defense. The decision of the Rector’s Office has not been announced yet.

Kocaeli University

Kocaeli University Senate declared that it perceived the declaration as “support to terror” and that the Presidency of the University started the disciplinary investigation process for the signatory academics.

Update (February 11, 2016): Investigation was started against 21 signatory academics. The academics were called to submit their statements on February 23, 2016.

Koç University (foundation-owned)

Update (March 02, 2016): In Koç University disciplinary investigation was started against the contracted signatory academics.

Update (December 10, 2016): 8 of the 23 signatory academics were subjected to disciplinary investigation. (No decision has been announced so far.) 6 of the signatory academics submitted their written statements at the prosecutor’s office or security headquarters.

Maltepe University (foundation-owned)

In Maltepe University investigation against 3 academics was started. The written notice stated that the investigation was started on the “… conviction that … the concerned declaration was destructive of the peace and working order of the institutions on the grounds of acting or supporting the actions with ideological, political, destructive, disruptive aims by the post of presidency and ex officio and in accordance with the Council of Higher Education Presidency’s written notice (date: January 13, 2016 and No.:73112577.65.”

Update (January 27, 2016): On January 26, 2016, the 3 academics submitted their written statements.

One of the academics who did not withdraw their signatures was forced to resign. Later, s/he requested her/his pension rights.

Update (February 5, 2016): One of the signatory academics (Faculty of Literature) received written notice that s/he was dismissed.

Update (March 2, 2016): Two of the signatory academics (Faculty of Architecture) were fired.

Mardin Artuklu University

There are 18 first signatories at Mardin Artuklu University. The number of the signatories was increased to 37 in the second round of the circulation of Peace Declaration. Now according to the tentative estimates there are 36 signatories (considering that at least 1 academic withdrew her/his signature from the declaration in the first week after the press conference).

Professor Zeynep Sayın (Faculty of Architecture) who is among the signatory academics demanded her resignation by the end of January 2016.

An assistant professor who is among the signatory academics and who was in the process of transferring her/his cadre to Sakarya University was blocked at the stage of approval, despite the fact that s/he has passed the stage of foreign language examination for assistant professors. The related academic has not yet filed a case against the decision.

The university administration started disciplinary investigation on February 22, 2016. The investigations have been carried out by 4 or 5 different investigation committees. As of the end of February 2016 and the beginning of March 2016 10 signatory academic submitted their statements to the investigation committees. However as of April 26, 2016 the process of the submission of statements is not yet finalized. Some of the members of the investigation committees are reluctant in proceeding forward.

On March 15, 2016 the President’s Office did not extend the contract of Evren Erlevent Kence’s (instructor; Fcaulty of Fine Arts) due to the investigations that are started against him because of the Pace Declarations and he was discharged from his post in the university in a couple of days. Kence, appealed to the Mardin Administrative Court for the stay of execution on March 28, 2016. The judge proceeded slow and as of the end of April 2016 s/he is about to issue 30 days for the University Administration to submit its defense to the court.

Marmara University

Update (March 04, 2016): Disciplinary investigation was started against the signatory academics in Marmara University; the academics were sent written notifications by the President’s Office of the university.

Mersin University

Disciplinary investigation was started in Mersin University against 22 academics.

20 academics submitted their statements on February 16, 2016. 2 signatory academics who were abroad were called to submit their statements on their return to Turkey and they did so. The Investigation Committee is composed of 3 Vice Rectors.

Following the declaration, the contracts of 2 (assistant professors) of signatory academics were not extended.

Update (March 3, 2016): Contracts of one signatory research assistant and two experts were not extended.

Update (April 26, 2016): The cadre of one assistant professor was not extended. By this date, 6 academics were dismissed from their posts in the university.

Update (June 17, 2016): The contracts of 6 signatory academics were not renewed. The academics appealed to administrative court for the suspension of execution. The court decided for suspension of examination in the case of 1 academic. The University Administration immediately appealed to the superior court (Adana Regional Administrative Court) for the overturn of the decision. On June 13, 2016 the Regional Court overturned the decision. The decision was justified on the grounds that there have been criminal investigations against the related academic.

The appeal of other signatory academics was rejected by the administrative court.

The signatory associate professors who had already earned the right to the cadre of full professorship were not granted the cadre.

(Update: July 22, 2016): 2 academics whose contracts would end on 15th and 31st of August received the notification from the University Administration that their contracts would not be renewed despite the positive decision from their respective juries as well as Faculty Commissions.

(Update: August 14, 2016): 8 academics who were suspended from duty are not among the signatories to the Peace Petition. However, it is almost certain that the number of the signatory academics who are dismissed from work via the termination of the contract will increase in the coming months.

(Update: August 17, 2016): Mersin University Rectorate unlawfully dismissed 8 signatory academics (5 Assistant Professors, 2 Experts, 1 Research Assistant) by not renewing their contracts on the grounds that they have signed the Peace Declaration and they are undergoing judicial and disciplinary investigations. Note that until that date no progress have been observed neither in the judicial nor the disciplinary investigations. The University Administration overtly states that these dismissals would continue in the following months.

The Rector made it clear that he will pursue the method of the termination of the contract for all the assistant professors. The demands for the stay of execution in the lawsuits by the academics who were dismissed from work was repealed.

(Update: December 22, 2016): The contract of one signatory academic at Mersin University was not renewed. Thus the number of the signatory academics were dismissed from their offices by the termination and non-renewal of the contracts increased to 10.

(Update: February 03, 2017): A signatory academic at Mersin University resigned when his application to the University for absence of leave for a research in the United States for which he received scholarship was rejected.

(Update: February 12, 2017):The contract of one signatory academic at Mersin University was not renewed. Thus the number of the signatory academics were dismissed from their offices by the termination and non-renewal of the contracts increased to 11.

(Update: March 3, 2017): The contract of one signatory academic at Mersin University was not renewed. Thus the number of the signatory academics were dismissed from their offices by the termination and non-renewal of the contracts increased to 12.

Related justification was noted in the formal letter from the Rector’s Office (Date: February 24, 2017; No. 352259) stating that the decision for not renewing the contract was due to the fact that the academic had signed the Peace Declaration, that she/he has been under disciplinary investigaton and that criminal procedure had been started about her/his act of signing the Peace Declaration and on the basis of the Article 23 of the Law No. 2547.

(Update: March 7, 2017): The contract of one signatory academic at Mersin University was not renewed. Thus the number of the signatory academics were dismissed from their offices by the termination and non-renewal of the contracts increased to 13.

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Presidency issued a press declaration on January 14, 2016, stating that “those individuals who aim at justifying the martyring of our security forces who work for the protection of our beautiful homeland by terror organizations and suffering of innocent people caused by the terror organizations, who commit guilt by association inside and outside [the country], regardless of their status or profession, shall not be excused.”

“Disciplinary investigations” are started against 9 academics who signed the petition. As of January 20, 2016, 9 academics were suspended from work for 2 months.

Update (January 28, 2016): Disciplinary investigation against 14 of the 15 signatories was started.

Update (February 2, 2016): Second round of disciplinary investigations is started. The administration relies on different clauses in initiating the investigations. A new/separate investigation commission is established.

Update (August 1, 2016): 7 signatory academics from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University submitted their statements to the prosecutor’s office. 2 of the signatory academics were not called to submit their statements. 1 of the second round signatory academics was called to submit statement. 1 of the 8 academics did not submit her/his statement with the other academics, since s/he was out the city.

Mustafa Kemal University

(Update: November 28, 2016): A research assistant (Ph.D student at Hacettepe University) who had been called back within the scope of the Decree Law (No. 674) appealed to the Administrative Court for the stay of execution. The court decided in favour of the research assistant regardless of waiting for the explanation from the Mustafa Kemal University. The research assistant returned to her/his post at Hacettepe University.

Namık Kemal University

The disciplinary investigation file of the only signatory academic at Namık Kemal University was sent to the CoHE, with the demand to “dismiss from public office.” The academic was called to submit defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016 (written notice).

Nişantaşı University (foundation-owned)

The Head of the Board of Trustees of Nişantaşı University called for the resignation of the signatory academics. However, the President of the University has not taken any step toward starting any investigation.

Update (February 9, 2016): 6 signatory academics received written notification stating that they are dismissed from their post in the university.

Okan University (foundation-owned)

One academic (among the 13 signatories) was fired. The academic was working on a course basis. S/he was notified about that her/his courses will not be opened verbally. Despite her efforts to reach to the President’s Office, but she could not get access.

Update (April 22, 2016): As of Spring 2016 academic term contract of the 2 signatory academics were not renewed/extended.

(Update: January 30, 2017): 1 signatory academic whose contract was not renewed by Okan University Administration, was called by phone and invited to start working in the same faculty. According to the account of the academic, the call followed the change in the structure of the faculty and the change of the department head.

Ondokuz Mayıs University

At Ondokuz Mayıs University the university presidency initiated an investigation for 6 signatory academics, who are facing life threats. Academics reported to the prosecutor’s office to give testimony on January 18, 2016.

Update (March 21, 2016): The files of the 3 academics whose written statements were taken earlier were sent to the CoHE. The investigator recommended “dismissal from public office” for one of the academics; the presidency of the university sent the recommendation directly to the CoHE.

Update (May 31, 2016): The investigation committee recommended layoff in rank. The file of the academic was sent to the CoHE.

Update (May 31, 2016): Two more signatory academics submitted their written statements to the investigation committee.

Pamukkale University

Investigation was started against two signatory academics. The academics submitted their written statements on March 2, 2016.

Plato Vocational School (foundation-owned)

One signatory academic was dismissed from her/his post without compensation on the basis of Article 25 of the Labour Law.

Sakarya University

Update (February 9, 2016): Disciplinary investigations were started against the signatories.

The signatory research assistants applied for annual leave; their application was denied.

One signatory was dismissed from her/his post (13/b) and was assigned to another post in another unit in the university.

Selçuk University

In Selçuk University, the signatory academic was subjected to the University’s disciplinary investigation even after withdrawing her/his signature from the petition.

Süleyman Şah University (foundation-owned)

Update (March 02, 2016): In Süleyman Şah University investigation was started against the four signatory academics.

This university was closed after July 15.

Toros University

Update (April 28, 2016): The only (first round) signatory academic at Toros University submitted her written defense in February 2016 to the university administration. She resigned from her post in the university when mobbing intensified.

Update (July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation file of the only signatory academic at Toros University was sent to CoHE, with the demand to “dismiss from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academic was called to submit defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016.

Update (July 22, 2016): Initially the investigation date at CoHE was announced as July 20, 2016. But on July 12, 2016, the CoHE postponed the Higher Disciplinary Committee meeting and thus the investigation of the 25 academics to an undetermined date.

Trakya University

Investigations against two academics and one Ph.D. student were started in Trakya University.

The Ph.D. received the written notice from the President’s Office on January 22, 2016; was called to submit her/his written statement on February 8, 2016.

(Update:March 18, 2016): The Ph.D. student who had submitted her/his written statement at Trakya University also works as a teacher affiliated to the Ministry of National Education. Investigation was started against her/him in accordance with the Article 125 of the Law No. 657.

The same Ph.D. student was punished by reprimand in the disciplinary investigation in the university in accordance with “the Article 10 of the regulations concerning unpredicted crimes.”

(Update: July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation file of 1 among the other 2 signatory academics was sent to CoHE, with the demand to “dismiss from public office.” The academic was called to submit her/his defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016.

Munzur University

The President’s Office of the Munzur University announced a disciplinary investigation against 7 signatory academics, however, this was not issued. Despite this fact, the signatories have increased in number (11 academics signed the declaration in the second round in support of their colleagues).

The written notice of the investigation was issued on January 27. The signatory academics were invited to submit their statements between 3-6 February, 2016 (2 statements for each day).

Munzur University was among the most aggressive examples in the case of research assistants who hold an ÖYP position. The University administration ended the assignment of the 10 signator academics at the ÖYP status and called them back to their duty at the University. One of the academics resigned in due process.

Update (July 26, 2016): 1 academic from the second round signatories at Munzur University was suspended from duty.

Ufuk University (foundation-owned)

Update (February 1, 2016): The Presidency of Ufuk University started investigation against the woman academic who signed the petition.

Uludağ University

Update (March 2, 2016): Disciplinary investigation was started against the 3 signatory academics. The academics submitted their written statements. Three signatories were preventively suspended from work.

Update (May 31, 2016): The related signatories were orally informed that their files were sent to the CoHE.

The academic who withdrew her/his signature got reprimand.

The punishments proposed by the investigating committee for the two signatory academics are not known.

Update (June 17, 2016): The disciplinary investigatin files of the 2 signatory academics were sent to CoHE, with the recommendation that they be punished by displacement from public office. (This info was orally circulated. No written statement exists.)

Update (July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation files of the signatory academics were sent to CoHE, with the demand to “dismiss from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academics were called to submit her/his defence on July 19-20, 2016, at CoHE headwuarters in Ankara, by written notification from CoHE

Van Yüzüncü Yıl University

Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Presidency declared that disciplinary investigations against 3 academics (first signatories) were started and claimed that the text of the petition is a “black propaganda” that aims at “[provoking] hate and animosity, segregation and division among the people.”

Disciplinary investigation procedure has been completed.

By the second round of signatures to the peace declaration the number of the signatory academics in the university was increased to 12.

Contract of one signatory academic was not renewed.

Update (July 20, 2016): 10 signatory academics were suspended from duty.

Update (July 26, 2016): 10 signatory academics were given back to duty.

One signatory academic with foreign nationality was dismissed.

Yalova University

The presidency of the Yalova University announced through the press that it started disciplinary investigations against the three signatory research assistants. The Presidency issued a statement on the official website of the university.

The research assistants called to submit their statements upon the affiliated Dean’s Office’s written notice that the investigation was started.

the signatories targeted by the local media on the first day of press release are under life threatening conditions.

Update (February 11, 2016): The Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at Yalova University first started investigation against the signatory academics; and the written statements of the academics were sent to the legal consultancy department.

On February 11, 2016, the Rector’s Office announced that the investigations were started in lieu of the accusation of “publishing, duplicating, distributing any work or statement, banner, poster and the like that involve political or ideological goals or hanging or exposing these in any place in the institutions” (subclause b of the article 125/E of the Law on Civil Servants (No. 657)). The academics were demanded to submit their written statements on February 18, 2016.

Update (July 4, 2016): The disciplinary investigation files of the 3 signatory academics were sent to CoHE, with the demand to “dismiss from teaching position at the university” or “from public office.” The academics were called to submit defense in Ankara at CoHE headquarters on July 19-20, 2016.

Yaşar University (foundation-owned)

One of the signatory academics was forced to resign from her/his post as the department head. When s/he refused to do so s/he was dismissed from her/his post without any explanation.

The academic is filing a case against the decision at administrative court.

Yaşar University started investigations against the signatory academics (4). 4 academics submitted their written statements on February 09, 2016.

Update (April 01, 2016): The investigation committee decided for a ½ cut in the wages of the two signatory academics as punishment. The academics will be filing legal case against the decision.

Update (April 22, 2016): In March 2016, one of the signatories resigned from her/his post in the university. The resigned academic informed that her/his resignation has nothing to do with the Peace Declaration process.

The investigator suggested “ban from public office” (the most severe punishment within the scope of the Law on Civil Servants/No.657) for all signatories, on the accusation and decision that they were involved in “publishing, duplicating, distributing banned work or statement, banner, poster and the like that involve political or ideological goals or hanging or exposing these in any place in the institutions (subclause be of the article 125/E of the Law on Civil Servants (No. 657). University Disciplinary Committee (composed of the president of the university, vice-presidents and the deans) unanimously decided to downsize it to 4th severe punishment–i.e., “suspension of promotion”–due to clean records of the academics. The law says that if you cannot suspend promotion (which is exactly the case) then cut minimum ¼ to maximum ½ cut in the wage. Thus the punishment was executed as follows: ½ cut in the wages of the 3 signatory academics. The 4th academic who had resigned from her/his post in the university was issued a “warning.” The academics will be filing legal case against the decision.

Update (April 28, 2016): The academics were notified about the punishment in March 2016. The academic did not file rejection at the CoHE Higher Disciplinary Council. The punishment was finalized.

Yeditepe University (foundation-owned)

Among the signatories a part-time lecturer at Yeditepe University was called from the University Administration on the phone and notified that his contract is not extended. The academic was also told that all of the part-time lecturer are in the same condition and that the university will be proceeding with full time academic personnel.

Update (February 4, 2016): At Yeditepe University disciplinary investigation was started against the signatory academic who had already withdrew her signature The academic was called to submit her defense on February 9, 2016.

Yeni Yüzyıl University (foundation-owned)

The sole signatory from this university was under pressure to withdraw her signature to the petition for the first week, After her refusal the rectorate forced her to resign, she again informed them she would not to. Eventually after all these useless efforts they issued a disciplinary investigation on the 22nd of January, In response, she gave her written defense on the 28th of January to the assigned investigator. They did not issue any suspension due to the fact that they had planned to end the procedure as quickly as possible.

Update (25.02.2016): The signatory got a notification of “dismissal from public office” by referring to the Article numbered 11/a of the Higher Education Institutions Disciplinary Regulations on Administrators, Academic and Non-Academic Staff by the rectorate of the university.

Yıldız Teknik University

Update (February 11, 2016): At Yıldız Teknik University, investigations were started against 31 signatory academics.

THREATS AND TARGETING

In a majority of the universities where signatory academics and researchers are/were employed, the university presidency, local media and various hostile groups held smear campaigns most likely motivated by the government and the national and/or the local media. As numerous university presidencies denounced the petition, signatories were and are being defamed and discredited, forced to resign and/or dismissed or suspended “conditionally”. They are subjected to various allegations such as “traitor”, “terrorist”, and “so-called academic” and are currently facing investigations, unemployment with no social benefits, physical abuse and death threats, aimed at showing the “Unity of Turkish citizens against the declaration”. Some colleagues have been unable to enter their university campus for fear of life, a few have even left the cities/towns where they had been living, aiming to move elsewhere.

The source of the threats and attacks are not limited by high-ranking officers of the state and government, but also include those of a notorious criminal, Sedat Peker, who publicly threatened the academics with death. A statement including “we will stream their blood and take a shower in it ,” was printed in several newspapers and can be viewed on his personal website. On January 14, 2016, Özgürlükcü Hukukcular Dernegi (ÖHD, Association of Libertarian Legists) , and on January 18, 2016, Labour Union of Teachers (Egitim-Sen) filed criminal complaints regarding such hate speech and vicious threats of Sedat Peker. Another targeting practice was the news item in Beyaz Gazete, where individual signatories were shown with their names, photographs and university affiliations , covering a whole page.. (http://beyazgazete.com/1100akademisyen )

The Solidarity Group of BAK documented all such incidents as they came to our attention and below are the details, so far, of the treatments our colleagues have been facing from the universities, officials and the media, and local residents.

Adana

Three academics at Çukurova University, from among the first group of 1128 signatories of the petition, were exposed to public allegations such as “supporter(s) of terror” , and were openly aimed at through a Facebook account named “Çukurova University Student Council”. They continue to receive threats and abusive messages via the social media.

Ankara

A professor at Ankara University, was targeted by national newspapers such as Yeni Şafak, Yeni Akit, Sabah (pro-government national dailies) after asking a final exam question on the petition “we will not be a party to this crime”. The headlines were “petition of treason becomes a university course exam question”; following which, the university professor started receiving menacing e-mails and death threats. This university professor was brought to court and acquitted a few weeks ago, at the end of January.

Two academics working at Ankara University found obnoxious writings on their office doors, in addition to receiving oral and written threats.

At Gazi University 3 academics who signed the petition were targeted by national and local media, and threatened by various hate groups. A group called “Nationalists of Gazi” hung threat messages on their office door and attempted to set their office on fire. Additionally, an academic working at the same, Gazi University, published threats on social media against these fellow colleagues. As a result, these individuals can no longer go to their offices at the university and are seeking for ways to stay away from the university for an extended period to circumvent such menace.

At Hacettepe University 21 academics, among the first group of signatories, were targeted by a group called “Hacettepe Nationalists” within the university, who put messages such as “we do not want university professors who support the terrorist PKK” on the doors of those individuals.

17 academics, from among the first group, were intimidated via a Facebook account, named “Hacettepe’de Terör İstemiyoruz” (“We Do Not Want Terror at Hacettepe”) with writings such as “university teachers supporting terror.” A signatory was blustered on the same Facebook page with the writing “The murderer of the 4-year-old Irem is among us.” Other abusive, damaging and menacing statements were hung on this person’s office door attached to the Facebook post. These academcis continue to receive threats via social media.

Update (March 11, 2016): The Facebook page, named “Hacettepe’de Terör İstemiyoruz” (“We Do Not Want Terror at Hacettepe”) was suspended by Facebook upon the complaint filed to Facebook administration.

Update (August 11, 2016): The Facebook page, named “Hacettepe University Ülkücüleri” (“Idealists of the Hacettepe University”) hosted a post, shared on August 6, 2016. The post was titled, “Hacettepe’de FETÖ/PDY ve PKK El Ele” (FETÖ/PDY and PKK hand in hand). In the post the signatory academics were targeted as “terorists.” https://www.facebook.com/HUTeskilati/?fref=nf

Bingöl

The only signatory at Bingöl University went abroad by the beginning of March 2016 in the face of the ongoing aggressive treatment by the students and scholars that s/he has been subjected to. S/he submitted her resignation from abroad.

Bolu

Three academics from Abant İzzet Baysal University, from the first group of signatories, were targeted by the local, national and social media. These individuals fear for their lives.

Denizli

A professor at Pamukkale University who signed the petition continues to receive threatening messages from a social media account, named “JİTEM.” This person is also targeted as “a PKK sympathizer”; and menacing posters were put up on her/his office door.

Düzce

An Associate Professor at Düzce University was targeted for being a “terror supporter” and received several threats.

Erzurum

At Atatürk University, a research assistant under 50/D contract was targeted by local and national media, received threats via phone and social media, and in one instance his office in the university was occupied by total strangers. This person cannot go to the university and fears for his life.

The signatory academic was disclosed through the print media immediately after the press declaration. S/he has been facing death threats and has had to seek shelter in the Human Rights Association. S/he has notified the association that her/his life is in danger.

Update (February 7, 2016): The signatory academic applied to the Erzurum Police Headquarters for protection. S/He was threatened by a police officer from the Protection Unit Directorship. The police officer said the following: “If I knew the signatory; I would shoot him on the head.”

Eskişehir

At Anadolu University 16 signatory academics, were targeted by the local and national press as “supporters of terror”. The call of the President of the Eskişehir Eğitim-Bir-Sen (a teachers’ union, branch No. 2) for the “suspension from the university” of the related academics “from their posts as soon as possible and for the total cancellation of their rights as civil servants” was widely disseminated through the local press.

A research assistant among this same group was targeted in Yeni Şafak (a pro-government national daily) due to the items s/he posted on her Facebook page. The same research assistant has received hundreds of messages containing death threats and hence can no longer go to her office. Update (February 17, 2016): The research assistant concerned was suspended from her/his post. The problem of “security of life” is no longer acute and immediate.

At Eskişehir Osmangazi University 3 signatory research assistants have faced serious threats. The names and photos of the three research assistants were put on the entrance of the university. These were turned into threatening messages and statements.

İstanbul

An Assistant Professor at Fatih University was targeted via the social media, and offensive groups hang up threat messages on her/his office door.

İzmir

10 academics, among the first group of signatories, at Ege University, are now being defamed and targeted by their colleagues.

Kırıkkale

An assistant professor at Kırıkkale University was targeted due to news disseminated through local and national press, and a public announcement issued by the university presidency. A group of nationalist students put up a poster on the same academic’s office door, reading “We do not want (name of prof) who supports the PKK.” The same individual has been targeted through narratives on social media accounts, receiving insulting , poison-pen messages; and is unable to to go on campus for obvious reasons.

Kocaeli

21 academics who signed the petition at Kocaeli University were scapegoated by the local press as “academics who support terror.” Also, nationalist groups of students put up menacing posters on their office doors.

Konya

An assistant professor Selçuk University is threatened by aggressive groups and targeted by local press. A group, which calls itself as “The Idealists of Selçuk University” put up posters on her/his office door which said “there is no place for traitors on our honorable Turkish soil.”

Mardin

The list of signatory academics working at Mardin Artuklu University was broadcast on the local news website, mardinlife.com. The President’s Office indirectly demanded that the signatory academics withdraw their signatures from the Peace Declaration. The related academics note that they did not experience the kind and intensity of pressure coming from the local people, the police or the university administration that has been observed in some other examples.

Update (April 27, 2016): As of March 2016 Mardin Governorate announced the ban on meeting, demonstration and press declaration for a month. The ban was re-announced on April 22 for a month.

Mersin

20 academics at Mersin University who signed the petition were targeted via a Facebook account named “Üniversiteli Bozkurtlar” (Grey Wolves-nationalist youth group- in the University); their photos, names and the departments in which they work were made public on this page. The same academics continue to receive threatening messages via the social media.

Moreover, a columnist, Ersin Ramoğlu, in the regional supplement of the national newspaper Sabah, published a number of articles including insults and threats against the petitioners of Mersin(http://www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/bolgeler/ramoglu/2016/01/22/ihanet-bildirisinin-mersindeki-elemanlari

http://www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/bolgeler/ramoglu/2016/01/13/akademisyenler-daha-cok-canli-bomba-istiyor

http://www.sabah.com.tr/yazarlar/bolgeler/ramoglu/2016/01/20/chpli-mebus-pkkyi-kutsadi). Petioners’ demand for the publication of a refutation was accepted by the newspaper nor by the court. The defamation case launched is still under trial.

Sakarya

At Sakarya University two research assistants and one Ph.D. student, who signed the petition were targeted in the local press. They were exposed with their names and photographs on local media. Aggressive groups put up posters on their office doors which read “fake academics, actual traitor; we will not let you live in Sakarya.” Both were insulted and continue to receive death threats. Neither can go to work due.

Samsun

The 6 signatories at Ondokuz Mayıs University were scapegoated in the local and national press. A petition was started for their dismissal from the university. They have received dozens of insulting and threatening messages and labeled as “traitors,” “supporters of terror” and even accusations from their colleagues in the same university.. The lives of these 6 academics are at stake.

Such incidents, which have rapidly increased since the press conference, are not limited to the universities (89 altogether) listed above. In almost all the universities, where the signatory academics are working, such targeting and threats have taken place. Besides, through such defamation campaigns started through the social media are not limited by twitter and facebook, but include others -such as the ones on eksisozluk.com, a popular forum with hundreds of thousands of followers- the academics are labelled as “traitors” and “supporters of terror.”

URGENT NEEDS AND DEMANDS

The academics have serious life safety issues after being targeted by local and national media, being imposed a smear campaign within the campuses, and being unlawfully investigated by the university presidencies. This problem persists for all of our signatory colleagues, yet more severely pronounced for colleagues working at provincial universities. Many academics cannot go to their offices, or have to change cities due to safety reasons.
A large network of judicial solidarity was set up for those academics who are under legal investigations. However, especially in İstanbul and Ankara, the judicial solidarity has to be strengthened for the academics who were not called for testimony yet or whose prosecution processes are ongoing.
A strong judicial support has to be established for closely monitoring the disciplinary investigations unlawfully issued by the university presidencies, and for supporting the academics who has received or will receive “conditional suspension” or will be fired from work.
The rights to labor of many academics, especially those working at private universities or working under 50/D contracts and through ÖYP assistantship, were being seized. For the time ahead, a strong solidarity fund must be set up, and the academics who will be fiscally adversely affected by the situation have to be supported. To this end, democratic NGOs, for instance Egitim-Sen (the labor union of most signatories), must be included in the process, and a solidarity campaign should be established.
Regarding the psychological dimensions of the incidents including life threats, targeting, and unlawful investigations, psychological support mechanisms should be established within the Academics for Peace.

CONCLUSION

As this report unfolds, the process involving unlawful investigations and threats were ongoing at varying levels. After the initial 1128 academics were targeted, the petition was kept open for signature for another five days. Although some of our colleagues were forced to withdraw their signatures, the final number of signatures amounted to 2238. Besides, many professional organisations, academics, NGOs organised solidarity campaigns and petitions domestically and internationally. The solidarity signatures exceeded tens of thousands.

The steps taken by the government hint at the fact that a much more difficult process is awaiting us in the coming days. After the first 1128 signatory academics were targeted, those academics who joined the petition campaigns to offer solidarity and support for the first signatories and for academic freedom have also been subjected to investigations. Those who put their signatures to solidarity campaign are targeted by the government and the pro-government mass media. It is leaked to the press that rearrangements for the election, selection and appointment of the university presidents is being thought and the government prefers direct presidential appointment of the university presidents by Council of Higher Education (CoHE). Another regulatory change has been opened to discussion for the Law on Civil Servants which is directly related with job security measures. It is anticipated that through these legal changes, precarious employment and work conditions will be institutionalized in many sectors, including the universities.

Overall it is quite clear that concerns, which have led us to put our signatures to the declaration for peace are ever more penetrating to our lives; and that the distance to a social and political environment that is conducive to peace is increasing day by day.

This state of affairs was intensified in the aftermath of the attempt to coup d’état on July 15, 2016. Although the attempt was overcome the civil and military measures taken in its aftermath did not bring in detente, decrease in the level and frequency of violence and stability. On the contrary, they lead to the increase and expansion of the concern that lay behind the Peace Declaration, and thus risking the institutionalization of peace, demanded by the Declaration. The following data contains the measures toward the BAK in the aftermath of July 15, 2016.

POST-JULY 15, 2016

As of July 15, 2016 disciplinary investigations and prosecutorial investigations against the BAK had already been started. Certainly there were some minor exceptions. In the first part of this report the data about the related investigations are given in the first part of the report. The data will be provided in the same systematic in this part, too. In this part, those violations to which the signatory academics are subjected without explicit note on the BAK, are also registered, especially with a focus on the period after July 15, 2016.

CoHE convened a meeting with the rectors of the all the universities in Turkey, on July 18, 2016. After the meeting the Council announced a common statement, signed by all the rectors, which denied the attempt to military coup d’état, on July 15, 2016. And upon the demand of the CoHE on July 19, 2016 a total of 1577 deans (1176 deans from the state universities and 401 from the foundation/private universities) resigned from their posts. In the process, the rectors of the Gazi University (Ankara), Dicle University (Diyarbakır), Yıldız Technical University (İstanbul) and Yalova University (Yalova) (July 20, 2016) and Pamukkale University (Denizli) (August 3, 2016) were suspended from office. Meanwhile 15 foundation/private universities were closed.

1- Altın Koza (İpek) University (Ankara)

2- Bursa Orhangazi University (Bursa)

3- Canik Başarı University (Samsun)

4- Selahattin Eyyubi University (Diyarbakır)

5- Fatih University (İstanbul)

6- Melikşah University (Kayseri)

7- Mevlana University (Konya)

8- Şifa University (İzmir)

9- Turgut Özal University (Ankara)

10- Zirve University (Gaziantep)

11- Kanuni University (Adana)

12- İzmir University (İzmir)

13- Murat Hüdavendigar University (İstanbul)

14- Gediz University (İzmir)

15- Süleyman Şah University (İstanbul)

As of November 23, 2016, a total of 3850 academics (in 107 universities) were dismissed from duty within the scope of the three Decree-Laws (Nos. 672, 675, 677) on Taking Some Measures within the Scope of State of Emergency.

By the Decree-Law (Date: September 2, 2016; No. 672) 2 thousand 346 academics; by the Decree-Law (Date: October 29, 2016; No. 675) 1 thousand 262 academics, and by the Decree-Law (Date: November 22, 2016; No. 677) 242 academics were dismissed from public duty. 82 of the dismissed academics within the scope of the three concerned Decree-Laws were signatories to the Peace Declaration. 1 signatory academic was dismissed from duty within the scope of the Decree-Law (Date: September 1, 2016; No. 673).

The process of liquidation that started due to the attempt to military coup d’état risks conflation with the violation of academic rights within the scope of BAK process. In this part of the report the aim is to preempt such a confusion.

(Update: January 30, 2017) A total of 631 academics were dismissed from public office by the Decree-Law (No.: 679; Date: Jan. 06, 2071); 42 of these academics were signatories to the Peace Declaration.

Decree-Laws

Post-July period in Turkey is marked with Martial Law and Decree-Laws that followed one after another, each restricting the right to free speech, free press, and academic rights and liberties more.

As of October 31, 2016, three decree-laws (No. 672, 673, 675, 677) directly targeted the signatory academics. A total of 68 signatory academics were dismissed from public office via these decrees. 3 signatories were suspended from duty, and 1 Ph.D. student, who had withdrawn her/his signature was banned from public office; her/his scholarship was cancelled. The violations of the rights are listed below:

Numbers and institutions of the signatory academics who were dismissed from public office by the No. 672 Decree-Law are as follows:

Adıyaman University (Adıyaman): 4 signatory academics – 1 was within the scope of ÖYP; her/his assigned position was İstanbul University)

Anadolu University (Eskişehir): 1 signatory academic

Ankara University (Ankara): 8 signatory academics

Celal Bayar University (Manisa): 1 signatory academic (within the scope of ÖYP; her/his assigned position was at Ankara University)

Gazi University (Ankara): 2 signatory academics

Harran University (Urfa): 1 signatory academic

İstanbul Technical University (İstanbul): 1 signatory academic

Kocaeli University: 19 signatory academics

Muş Alparslan University (Muş): 1 signatory academic

Niğde University (Niğde): 4 signatory academics (all within the scope of the ÖYP; the academics assigned positions were at Ankara University and İstanbul University)

No. 673 Decree-Law contained measures to cancel the bursary from the Ministry of Education (Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı, MEB); removal or suspension from work. Numbers and institutions of the related signatory academics are as follows:

Afyon University (Afyon): The bursary of 1 signatory academic pursuing her/his Ph.D. studies at Essex University by the MEB bursary was cancelled; s/he was not admitted Ph.D. accreditation; and s/he was banned from public office.

Van Yüzüncü Yıl University (Van): A signatory Ph.D. student at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, who was working as a teacher, affiliated to the MEB was dismissed from work on September 9, 2016 (a total of 11.285 teachers were dismissed from work within the scope of the same decree.

Numbers and institutions of the signatory academics who were dismissed from public office by the No. 675 Decree-Law are as follows (There are 24 signatory academics who were dismissed from public service by this decree-law):

Cumhuriyet University: An academic who signed the support text to the Academics for Peace, entitled, “Support to the Academics from the 1402,” that was published in Cumhuriyet (Turkish daily) on January 21, 2016 was dismissed from public office.

Batman University: 1 signatory academic

Cumhuriyet University: 2 signatory academics

Düzce University: 1 signatory academic

Erzincan University: 1 signatory academic

Fırat University: 1 signatory academic (within the scope of the ÖYP; assignment at Ankara University)

Gaziantep University: 5 signatory academics (two signatories are within the scope of the ÖYP; assignments are at Hacettepe University and İstanbul University)

İstanbul University: 5 signatory academics

Mardin Artuklu University: 1 signatory academic

Munzur (Tunceli) University: 1 signatory academic

Turkish-German University (İstanbul): 1 signatory academic

Yalova University: 3 signatory academics

Ministry of National Education (Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı, MEB): 1 signatory Ph.D. student, assigned at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, who was also working as a teacher affiliated to the MEB.

Ministry of Science Industry and Technology (Bilim Sanayi ve Teknoloji Bakanlığı, BSB): 1 Ph.D. student at İstanbul Bilgi University, who was working as an expert affiliated to the BSTB.

(Update: October 31, 2016): No. 675 Decree-Law brought in new measures that amended the Law on Civil Servants and lifted up the time restriction in the initiation of disciplinary investigations. In this respect, the requisite to start the investigation in 10 days following the decision for precautionary suspension from work was lifted. In addition to requisite to finalize the investigations in three months was also lifted.

(Update: October 31, 2016): No. 676 Decree-Law that was issued on the same day with the No. 675 Decree-Law (October, 29, 2016) revoked the practice of pre-elections of the rectors in public universities by the full-time faculty. By the amendment to paragraph a of the Article 13 of the Law on Higher Education (No. 2547) the rectors will be directly proposed by the YÖK and the President will appoint from among the 3 proposed candidates. The President has the authority to deny the candidates proposed by the YÖK, and to determine his own candidate and appoint her/him as the rector.

Numbers and institutions of the signatory academics who were dismissed from public office by the No. 677 Decree-Law are as follows (There are 15 signatory academics who were dismissed from public service by this decree-law):

Akdeniz University (Antalya): 8 signatory academics

Kastamonu University (Kastamonu): 1 signatory academic (within the scope of the ÖYP; assignment at Mimar Sinan University/İstanbul)

Ondokuz Mayıs University (Samsun): 6 signatory academics

Numbers and institutions of the signatory academics who were dismissed from public office by the No. 679 Decree-Law are as follows (There are 42 signatory academics who were dismissed from public service by this decree-law):

Adnan Menderes University (Aydın): 1 signatory academic

Ankara University (Ankara): 8 signatory academics

Ege University (İzmir): 9 signatory academics

Gazi University (Ankara): 1 signatory academic

Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University (Kahramanmaraş): 1 signatory academic (within the scope of the ÖYP; assignment at Yıldız Technical University/İstanbul)

Mardin Artuklu University (Mardin): 9 signatory academics

Munzur University (Tunceli): 7 signatory acaademics (1 signatory academic is within the scope of the ÖYP; assignment at Yıldız Technical University/İstanbul)

Muş Alparslan University (Muş): 2 signatory academics (Both academics were within the scope of the ÖYP; assignment at METU)

Within the scope of the Decree Law No. 683 (Date: January 23, 2017) the process of associate professorship exams was frozen for those candidates against whom judicial investigation or prosecution was started.

Numbers and institutions of the signatory academics who were dismissed from public office by the Decree Law No. 683 (Date: February 02, 2017) are as follows (There are 215 signatory academics who were dismissed from public service by this decree-law)

Adnan Menderes University: 2 signatory academics

Ankara University: 89 signatory academics

Atatürk University: 1 signatory academic

Bartın University: 1 signatory academic

Beykent University: 2 signatory academics

Bingöl University: 1 signatory academic

Çukurova University: 2 signatory academics

Doğuş University: 2 signatory academics

Dumlupınar University: 1 signatory academic

Eskişehir Anadolu University: 29 signatory academics

Eskişehir Osmangazi University: 6 signatory academics

Giresun University: 3 signatory academic

Hakkari University: 2 signatory academics

Iğdır University: 1 signatory academic

İstanbul Ayvansayar University: 1 imzacı

İstanbul Bilim University: 2 signatory academics

İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University: 1 signatory academic

Kafkas University: 1 signatory academic

Kırıkkale University: 1 signatory academic

Marmara University: 23 signatory academics

Mustafa Kemal University: 1 imzacı

Ordu University: 1 signatory academic

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University: 2 signatory academics

Trakya University: 1 signatory academic

Uludağ University: 2 signatory academics

Yıldız Teknik University: 27 signatory academics

Numbers and institutions of the signatory academics who were returned to their posts within the scope of the Decree Law No. 688 (March 27, 2017) are as follows:

Ankara University: 2 signatory academics

Eskişehir Anadolu University: 6 signatory academics

Numbers and institutions of the signatory academics who were dismissed from public office by the Decree Law No. 689 (April 29, 2017) are as follows:

Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University: 1 signatory academic

Dicle University: 17 signatory academics

İstanbul Teknik University: 1 signatory academic

İzmir Yüksek Teknoloji Enstitüsü: 4 signatory academics

Mardin Artuklu University: 1 signatory academic

Marmara University: 1 signatory academic

Mersin University: 21 signatory academics

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University: 6 signatory academics

Mustafa Kemal University: 1 signatory academic

Pamukkale University: 2 signatory academics

Yıldız Teknik University: 1 signatory academic

Yüzüncü Yıl University: 9 signatory academics

TRAVEL ABROAD – CANCELLATION OF PASSPORTS – FREEZING OF BANK ACCOUNTS

The general restrictions on travel abroad (especially for the civil servants with green passports) that were put into force within the scope of the State of Emergency that was declared in the aftermath of July 15, military coup d’état attempt, affected the signatory academics, too. The signatory academics and those signatories who were later dismissed from public service by the following decrees in the force of law encountered hardship when traveling abroad and/or in their passport applications. It is not possible to point at a monolithic pattern of policy making related to the signatory academics, neither for those who are dismissed from public service. While there are such examples among the signatory academics who were dismissed from public service within the scope of decree in the force of law (as is the case with those signatories at Kocaeli University/Kocaeli) who encountered no hardship in travelling abroad with their green passports and those who could apply for new passports, facing no difficulty in acquiring one. On the other hand the passport of a signatory academic (from Ankara University) who was dismissed from public service was cancelled; another one from the same university who was also dismissed from public service within the scope of the decree in the force of law was denied the right to passport. In the meantime some signatory academics could travel abroad using their green and normal passport; some of them could do so through assignment by the universities in which they work. Likewise, there are still some universities (like METU/Ankara and Boğaziçi/Bosphorus/İstanbul), which have not yet experienced such difficulties. In some cases the academic(s) who demanded absence of leave were orally asked by the administration(s) to withdraw their demands, and not go into “detail.” The passports of some of the signatory academics were retained at the airports. Thus, it is possible to note arbitrary measures.

One of the signatory academics who was dismissed from her/his work at Ankara University (Ankara) appealed to the right to information and asked for the reasons why s/he was not admitted passport. The answer was that due to the decree in the force of law s/he does not have the right to refer to the law on the right to information.

A signatory academic from Ege University (İzmir) was not permitted to travel abroad on October 18, 2016 at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. S/he was told that her/his passport was cancelled. This is so despite that s/he presented her assignment from the university administration.

The passport of a signatory academic (a Ph.D. student, working as research assistant at Ankara University within the scope of ÖYP) who was dismissed from public service by the first decree in the force of law (No. 672) from Celal Bayar University (Manisa) was retained at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (İstanbul) on October 28, 2016, when s/he was travelling to Germany. The reason was stated as that her/his name was notified by the University to the police forces within the scope of the coup d’état investigations (named and widely referred to as the “FETÖ investigation).

The bank accounts of two signatory academics (from Munzur University/Tunceli/in October, and from Burdur Mehmet Akif University/Burdur/in September) were frozen by the order of the prosecutor’s office.

Prosecutorial Investigations and Due Process

Adıyaman

(Update: August 22, 2016): Four signatory academics were suspended from duty. The decision was justified on Article 17 of Law No. 657. No time span was specified.

Ankara

The Chief Republican Prosecutor’s Office in Ankara started to call for the statements of the signatory academics.

As of the beginning of August 2016, a total of 33 academics submitted their written statements.

(Update: August 3, 2016): On July 25, 2016 a signatory academic at Hacettepe University was informed that s/he is sued on the accusation that one of her/his posts on Facebook involved insult on the President of the Republic. The post concerned is the headlines of a legal opposition newspaper (date: February 13, 2016). The case will be held on November 9, 2016.

(Update: October 31, 2016): The passport of a signatory academic who was dismissed from public service at Ankara University was cancelled. Another signatory academic who was dismissed from public service at Ankara University was denied new passport.

(Update: November 06, 2016): 1 signatory academic from Ankara University (with administrative post in the Ankara Branch 5 of EĞİTİMSEN) was detained on November 04, 2016. The academic was released on November 5, 2016.

Antalya

(Update: August 1, 2016): 8 signatory academics at Antalya University submitted their statements at the Prosecutor’s Office. One of the 3 signatories who have all withdrew their signatures was also called to submit her/his statement. S/he did so.

Çanakkale

(Update: February 03, 2016): 1 signatory academic (2nd round) at Çanakkale 18 Mart University was taken under custody on November 26, 2016, on the accusation of “membership to Birleşik Özgürlük Güçleri (United Freedom Forces) launched against the members of the United Revolutionary Party.” The academic was released by the Ankara Republican Prosecutor’s Office after 12 day-long custody at Çanakkale branch of Struggle Against Terror and at Ankara branch of Struggle Against Terror.

İstanbul

Fatih University was closed down within the scope of the State of Emergency that was declared in the aftermath of the attempt to military coup d’état on July 15, 2016. 1 of the 2 signatory academics at the university had already been resigned.

Süleyman Şah University was closed down within the scope of State of Emergency that was declared in the aftermath of the attempt to military coup d’état on July 15, 2016. There were 4 signatory academics who worked as full time academic personnel in the university.

The passport of one of the signatory academics at Süleyman Şah University was cancelled.

İzmir

İzmir University was closed within the scope of State of Emergency that was declared in the aftermath of the attempt to military coup d’état on July 15, 2016. The two signatory academics had already been fired. The other signatory was appointed in another university.

Gediz University was closed within the scope of State of Emergency that was declared in the aftermath of the attempt to military coup d’état on July 15, 2016. There was one signatory academic.

Mersin

(Update: July 27, 2016): In the circular that was sent from Mersin Governorate to Mersin University Rectorate the university administration was asked “to immediately inform” the governorate “about the members or sympathizers of the parallel structure organization and segregationist-separatist terror organization.”

Muğla

(Update: August 1, 2016): 7 signatory academics at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University submitted their statements at the prosecutor’s office. 2 academics among the first round of signatories were not called to hand in their statements; and 1 academic among the second round of signatories was called to hand in her/his statement. 1 academic who was called to hand in her/his statement did not submit her/his defense with the other signatories since s/he was out of the city.

(Update: January 30, 2017): 11 signatory academics are suspended from public duty (on January 17, 2017) due to the second investigation that was started (despite the fact that they had already been punished by reprimand in April 2016).

(Update: April 28, 2017): 5 signatory academics were called back to their duty. 6 other signatory academics are still suspended from duty.

Tunceli

(Update: August 3, 2016): 1 signatory academic at Munzur University was taken into custody on the accusation to “attempt to coup d’état.” The justification was based on “the presence of a book by Fethullah Gülen in the office.”

(Update: August 4, 2016): The signatory academic was released on judicial control decision.

(Update: October 31, 2016): On October 26, 2016, 4 signatory academics went to the the Struggle Against Terror Unit and stated that they will submit their written statements at the Prosecutor’s Office. The remaining 3 signatory academics made a similar statement.

Disciplinary Investigations and Firing/Suspension from Duty or Forced Resignation and Other Violations of Rights

Inter-university Council announced that by the decision taken on October 11, 2016 the processes for the title of associate professorship were suspended for those candidates who were suspended or dismissed from duty.

Abant İzzet Baysal University

(Update: April 25, 2017): As the first investigation was not concluded a second investigation was started. In the document notifying the investigation the reference is to the 4-1/d article of the Decree Law No. 667 and accuses the academics with ‘membership to, affiliation to, coherence with, or connection with the terror organization, defined’ in this article.

Adıyaman University (Adıyaman)

(Update: August 22, 2016): 4 signatory academics at Adıyaman University were dismissed from office. The decision of dismissal was based on the Article 137 of the Law on Civil Servants (No. 657) and no term was stated.

Ağrı University

(Update: November 28, 2016): One signatory research assistant who were continuing his Ph.D studies at Hacettepe University within the scope of the ÖYP was called back to public duty at Ağrı University due to the need for research assistantship. Yet another research assistant at the same position was not called back.

(Update: December 16, 2016): The same signatory research assistant was notified that s/he was suspended in accordance with the Decree Laws.

Adnan Menderes University (Aydın)

(Update: October 31, 2016): A signatory academic who had been dismissed from office in February 2016, was subjected to a two-month long renewal on October 27, 2016 within the scope of the investigations, named as “FETÖ investigations.”

Anadolu University (Eskişehir)

(Update: August 11, 2016): On August 5, 2016, the Rectorate of Anadolu University announced that 21 academics who had signed the Peace Declaration were suspended from office.

The academics who wanted to hold a press meeting in order to protest this decision “were notified orally by the security” that the meeting was banned by the decision of the Governorate.

On August 10, 2016, the Rectorate announced that the suspensions were not connected with the post-July 15 coup d’état attempt, and that they were related directly to the disciplinary investigations that had been started in relation to the Peace Declaration, and which awaited the final decision at the CoHE.

Disciplinary investigation had been started in the university.

(Update: August 11, 2016): Eskişehir Anadolu University Rectorate announced that 21 signatory academics were suspended from duty.

The academics who wanted to organize a press declaration were orally informed by police on August 7, 2016 that their meeting was banned by the decision of the Governorate.

On August 10, 2016, the Rectorate announced that the suspension has nothing to do with the process that followed the attempt to military coup d’état (July 15, 2016) and that it was related to the disciplinary investigations that had been started directly in connection with the Peace Declaration and that await the final decision of the CoHE.

(Update: August 26, 2016): The contract of a signatory research assistant who had been suspended from work and whose file was submitted to the CoHE was not renewed on these grounds, and the research assistant was dismissed from work on these grounds.

(Update: September 26, 2016): The contract of an assistant professor was not renewed and s/he was dismissed from work.

(Update: September 29, 2016): The contracts of 6 signatory academics were not renewed.

(Update: September 30, 2016): The signatory academics who were notified that they were suspended from office on August 7, 2016 applied to the CoHE within the scope of their right to access information. The response of the CoHE was as follows: “You shall apply to the Anadolu University.” 1 signatory academic applied to the CoHE on the same grounds and regarding the same topic; her/his application was met as follows:

“There is no act that would be pursued by our Presidency pertaining to those applications, which are considered to fall out of the scope of the right to information (Law No. 4982). in accordance with the Article 19 and Article 20 of the related law in case the information requested is related to the proceedings about those against whom disciplinary or judicial investigations were started, who were suspended from work and/or who were removed from public office due to the decision that these persons are members of or who cohere with or who are in connection with the terror organizations or of those structures, formations or groups, which, according to the National Security Council, involve in activities that are against the national security of the state.”

(Update: October 07, 2016): The contract of a signatory academic (instructor) was not renewed.

(Update: November 10, 2016): The three-month long suspension of the (10) signatory academics was terminated on November 5, 2016. The academics were informed by a written notification from the Presidency of the university (dated: November 4, 2016) that they were suspended from duty indefinitely (sine die).

(Update: December 1, 2016): Administrative Court decided for stay of exeuction for the suspension of 6 academics from duty. The university administration appealed to the Regional Administrative Court against this decision. Those academics whose appeal to the Administrative Court for the stay of execution was rejected also appealed to the Regional Administrative Court.

(Update: December 21, 2016): Regional Administrative Court Bölge İdare Mahkemesinden üniversite yönetiminin itirazına red çıkmıştır. Yanı sıra, İdare Mahkemesinden rejected the objection of the university administration. The Court decided in favour of the signatory academic appealing for the stay of execution for the suspension from work.

(Update: February 16, 2017): The District Administrative Court of Ankara decided that signing the Peace Declaration cannot be a valid reason for dismissal from public office. The decision is related to a signatory academic whose contract was not renewed on the explanation that s/he signed the Peace Declaration. The Court decided for the termination of the execution.

However, the same signatory academics was dismissed from public office by the Decree Law No. 686 (Date February 7, 2017). (The Decree Law is not subject to jurisdiction.)

Ankara University (Ankara)

(Update: October 31, 2016): The passport of one signatory academic who was dismissed from public service at Ankara University was cancelled. The application for new passport by another academic in the same situation was denied.

A signatory academic who was dismissed from public service at Ankara University appealed to the right to access to information to learn why s/he was denied passport. S/he was notified that due to her/his dismissal within the scope of the decree in the force of law under State of Emergency s/he does not have the right to appeal to the right to access to information.

(Update: March 20, 2017): In September 2016, the Rector’s Office rejected the application of a signatory academic for three month-long absence of leave to conduct research at Northwstern University. The academic appealed to the District Court and the Court decided the cancellation of the rejection by the Rector’s Office. The academic also filed a claim for compensation.

Ankara Sosyal Bilimler University (Ankara)

(Update: August 3, 2016): Two signatory academics (whose assignments were at Ankara University, and METU, respectively, within the scope of ÖYP) were called back. One of the academics had been subjected to disciplinary investigation at Ankara University. The other academic (at METU) had not undergone disciplinary investigation.

Ankara Sosyal Bilimler University started disciplinary investigation to both signatory academics. However, it was legally depicted that since the deed subject to the disciplinary investigation was committed more than 6 months ago there was no legal grounds to start disciplinary investigation.

Bahçeşehir University (İstanbul)

(Update: August 1, 2016): There are 2 Peace Declaration signatories among the 7 personnel whose contracts were not renewed on June 30, 2016.

1 of the 2 remaining signatory academic was invited to add a “softening statement” in her/his file; s/he was warned that otherwise her/his bursary might be lifted and that s/he might be called to repay. The academic turned over the demands and s/he dismissed through mutual rescission, on July 22, 2016.

Bitlis Eren University

(Update: February 09, 2017): One signatory academic whose assigned position was at Marmara University until s/he was discharged in November 2016 was dismissed from public office by the Decree Law No. 686 (Date: February 07, 2017).

Another signatory academic whose assigned position within the scope of the ÖYP was at Yıldız University and who was discharged beforehand, was dismissed from public office by the Decree Law No. 686 (Date: February 07, 2017).

Celal Bayar University (Manisa)

(Update: October 31 2016): 1 signatory academic (within the scope of ÖYP; her/his assigned position was at Ankara University) was dismissed from public service.

(Update: October 31, 2016): The passport of the same signatory academic (a Ph.D. student, working as research assistant at Ankara University within the scope of ÖYP) who was dismissed from public service by the first decree in the force of law (No. 672) from Celal Bayar University (Manisa) was retained at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (İstanbul) on October 28, 2016, when s/he was travelling to Germany. The reason was stated as that her/his name was notified by the University to the police forces within the scope of the coup d’état investigations (named and widely referred to as the “FETÖ investigation).

Cumhuriyet University (Sivas)

(Update: August 11, 2016): 3 signatory academics were suspended from duty on August 9, 2016, within the scope of the State of Emergency that was declared in the aftermath of the attempt to military coup d’état on July 15, 2016).

Çanakkale 18 Mart University (Çanakkale)

(Update: February 3, 2017): 1 signatory academic (2nd round) at Çanakkale 18 Mart University was informed that s/he was suspended from office “on the accusation of contact with terrorist organizations in the country… on December 8, 2016,” despite that s/he was released by the Republic Prosecutor’s Office (Ankara) following 12 day-long custody.

Çankırı Karatekin University (Çankırı)

(Update: November 24, 2016): The academic (at Çankırı Karatekin University) who was not a signatory to the Peace Declaration (of January 11, 2016) but who signed the petition (“Freedom of Expression”) to support the freedom of expression of the Peace Declaration signatories had been subjected to disciplinary investigation and punished with warning as of April 2016.

The concerned academic was informed by the University (administration) on November 15, 2016 by phone that she was suspended from office, and that she had to take the decision personally. The academic went to the university on November 16, 2016, and she was accompanied by security guard and the secretary of the faculty starting from her/his entrance on the campus, all throughout her/his presences. She finds the locks of her/his office door changed; when she needs to use the breast pump she was forced to do so in her office in the presence of two women administrative staff.

In the text concerning the suspension decision the justification is based on “… the claim that she is connected, related with and that she adheres to the FETÖ and the organizations, recognized as Terror Organization by the National Security Council…”

Ege University (İzmir)

(Update: October 31, 2016): A signatory academic from Ege University (İzmir) was not permitted to travel abroad on October 18, 2016 at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. S/he was told that her/his passport was cancelled. This is so despite that s/he presented her assignment from the university administration.

(Update: January 30, 2017): 9 signatory academics were dismissed from public office by the Decree Law (Date: January 06, 2017; No.: 679).

(Update: February 03, 2017): Two signatory academics, who were suspended from public office by the university administration on January 09, 2017 (on the basis of Decree Law No. 667) were notified via e-mail on January 12, 2017 that they were dismissed from public office on the basis of the Decree Laws No. 667 and No. 668.

Galatasaray University

(Update: September 29, 2016): Professor Şebnem Korur Financı’s lectures at the University were cancelled.

(February 10, 2017): A signatory academic who was in the UK for postdoc did not accept to the imposition of 89 day-long leave of absence by the Rector’s Office and resigned. (Probably by the end of December 2016.)

One signatory academic retired in Fall 2016.

One signatory academic retired in January 2017.

Gazi University (Ankara)

(Update: August 11, 2016): 2 signatory academics, and 1 academic who had withdrawn her/his signature were suspended from duty.

It is necessary to underline that the suspension of the signatory academics from duty is located into the liquidation process that started in the aftermath of the attempt to military coup d’état (July 15, 2016). The announcement of the Rectorate of Gazi University is important in this respect:

“A total of 178 personnel in Gazi University, among whom 124 are academics are suspended from duty within the frame of the Article 4 of the Decree in the Force of Law on the Measures Taken within the Scope of State of Emergency (No. 667).”

It was orally stated that 1 of the signatory academics was suspended from duty due to her/his connection with Gülen Community. (The academic is a feminist academic, advocating for LGBTI rights, and active in the People’s Democratic Party.)

(Update: November 23, 2016): A signatory academic whose permanent cadre is at Sinop University, and who is at ÖYP status at Gazi University was suspended from duty.

Hakkâri University

(Update: August 3, 2016): The Rectorate dismissed the 2 signatory academics from duty. The academics’ investigations had been concluded and whose investigation files had been sent to CoHE with the recommendation of the removal from public office.

Işık University

(Update: March 27, 2017): The University administration demanded that the signatory academics withdraw their signature from the Peace Declaration. One signatory academic who rejected the demand was dismissed from her/his post at the university.

İstanbul University

One of the signatory academics (2nd round) was suspended from duty. S/he was subjected to disciplinary investigation on the edge of comprehensive examinations.

(Update: April 4, 2017): 8 signatory academics retired – upon ‘invitation’ to retire.

(Update: April 4, 2017): 2 signatory academics resigned – upon ‘invitation’.

İstanbul 29 Mayıs University

(Update: December 8, 2016): The Court decided in favor of the University administration in the reemployment lawsuit filed by a signatory academic was finalized. According to the explanation by the academic herself/himself, the court found the university right due to the assessment that the academic’s act “was beyond the borders of academic freedom.” The academic appealed to the higher court.

İstanbul Kültür University

(Update: April 3, 2017): One signatory academics was forced to resign and s/he resigned after receiving her/his compensation.

İstanbul Şehir University

(Update: August 11, 2016): The contract of the signatory academic was annulled upon the pressure from the CoHE/government on the basis of ‘low performance.’

(Update: April 19, 2017): The academic appealed to the court for reemployment lawsuit. The court decided in favor of the academic and the academic was returned to he/his post at the university.

İstanbul Technical University (ITU)

(Update: April 18, 2017) ITU students and academics aimed at organizing an activity to protest the dismissal of many signatory academics from their posts at the universities within the scope of the Decree Law (Date: February 7, 2017). The Rector’s Office did not permit the organziation of such activity. The students and the academics unfurled the banner (reading ‘No To The Decree Laws’) and made a press declaration.

The students and academics who participated in the press declaration were subjected to disciplinary investigation.

İzmir University

(Update: August 11, 2016): One among the two signatory academics at the university had already been dismissed from her/his post at the university, which was closed down within the scope of the state of emergency in the aftermath of the military coup d’état attempt on July 15, 2016. The other signatory academic had been employed in another university.

İzmir Yaşar University

(Update: July 25, 2016): Contract of one signatory academic was not renewed on the justification of employment policy.

(Update: February 20, 2017): The University had charged the four signatory academics with criminal fine. The signatory academics appealed to the Administrative Court against this decision. The Court decided in favor of the academics.

The contract of one signatory academic (the last signatory academic in the University) was not renewed.

Kadir Has University

(Update: February 8, 2017): One signatory academic who is a conscientious objector was teaching Elective Kurdish Language Classes as part-time instructor. His classes were cancelled and he was dismissed upon the notification that was sent to the University by the Ministry of National Defence stating that the academic was deserter and that he should be dismissed and returned back to the Ministry.

Kocaeli University

(Update: 7 Aralık 2016): Kocaeli University started disciplinary investigation against the academics who participated in the opening ceremony of the Kocaeli Solidarity Academia by the 19 signatory academics who had been dismissed from public duty within the scope of the Decree Law (Date: September 1; No.: 672). The academics concerned are not signatories to the Peace Petition; their names were listed in the report prepared by the State of Emergency Department of the Kocaeli Governorate.

(Update: January 30, 2017): 2 academics, who are among the 19 signatory academics, dismissed from the public office by the Decree-Law (Date: September 1, 2016; No.: 672) had applied in April 2016 term for the Central Exam for Associate Professorship, organized by the Inter-University Council within the scope of the CoHE. The Inter-University Council announced o 21, 2016 that the process was frozen for those candidates for associate professorships who are dismissed from public office within the scope of Decree Laws and/or who used to work in those universities that were closed down within the scope of the Decree Laws.

Maltepe University

The university did not make a contract with the signatory academic for part-time teaching for the Fall 2016-2017 term. In the words of the signatory academic, s/he and the related administrators were in agreement for continuing her/his part-time lectures; however s/he was informed that s/he will not be contracted short time before the start of the term. (See also Marmara University for the same case – the same academic.)

Marmara University

The university did not make a contract with the signatory academic for part-time teaching for the Fall 2016-2017 term. In the words of the signatory academic, s/he and the related administrators were in agreement for continuing her/his part-time lectures; however s/he was informed that s/he will not be contracted short time before the start of the term. (See also Maltepe University for the same case – the same academic.)

(Update: December 24, 2016): According to the information acquired from a document submitted by the university administration for another case filed against the signatories, the investigation committee overseeing the disciplinary investigation started against the signatory academics due to the Peace Petition, recommended “suspension from public office” for the first round of signatory academics (32 academics) in accordance with the Article 125 of the Law on Civil Servants (No. 57); the Rector’s Office approved this recommendation and submitted it to the CoHE.

(Update: February 09, 2017): One signatory academics whose affiliation to the University (within the scope of ÖYP) was terminated in November 2016 and who returned his post at Bitlis Eren University was dismissed from public office by the Decree Law No. 686.

(Update: February 17, 2017): Seven signatory academics were invited to resignation in the past months and they resigned.

Mersin University

(Update: July 22, 2016): The contracts of 2 academics were not renewed. Thus the number of the academics whose contracts were not renewed – illegally – due to their signing the Peace Declaration has reached to 8.

(Update: August 14, 2016): No signatory academics are among the 8 academics who have been laid off from their posts following the July 15 coup attempt.

(Update: August 14, 2016): Mersin University Rectorate unlawfully dismissed 8 signatory academics (5 Assistant Professors, 2 Experts, 1 Research Assistant) by not renewing their contracts on the grounds that they have signed the Peace Declaration and they are undergoing judicial and disciplinary investigations. The Rector made it clear that he will pursue the method of the termination of the contract for all the assistant professors. The demands for the stay of execution in the lawsuits by the academics who were dismissed from work was repealed.

In the meantime, there have yet been no developments in the disciplinary or judicial investigations.

(Update: August 17, 2016): Another signatory academic’s contract was not renewed.

A detailed information note can be found below (text of a change.org campaign that was initiated on August 10, 2016):

Among all Turkish universities, Mersin University has been a unique case with its reaction towards the petitioners of the declaration “We’ll not be a part of this crime” launched by the Academics for Peace initiative in mid-January. It has chosen not to renew the contracts of eight faculty members (Research Asst. Esin Gülsen, Lect. Galip Deniz Altınay, Lect. Bermal Aydın, Asst. Prof. Dr. Yasemin Karaca, Asst. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Şener, Asst. Prof. Dr. Veli Mert, Asst. Prof. Dr. Melahat Kutun and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bediz Yılmaz) although until now, periodical renewal of such contacts has been for the sake of formality.

In a meeting with a group of scholars, rector Ahmet Camsarı has clearly stated that he will renew none of the contracts of the petitioners, thus that he will insist in pursuing such an illegal and illegitimate practice.

The bilan of such illegal practices of the rector is as follows:

One of the contracts was not renewed on the pretext that the faculty had not transferred his documents to the rectorate in time; the application was submitted to the Faculty by the scholar in time though.

The rectorate has intervened in the jury formation of the renewal processes in two cases where the commissioned reporters submitted fraudulent negative evaluations about the concerned assistant professors.

Contracts of one research assistant and two lecturers were canceled on the pretext of ongoing administrative and judicial investigations related to the Petition.

Finally, in August, contracts of two assistant professors were not renewed in direct and explicit reference to the petition.

All these measures mobilised to punish the petitioners are against the related law that imposes objective criteria for the renewal of contracts. Yet, the intervention of the rectorate on the composition of juries as well as on the decisions of Faculty boards is an obvious violation of this legal framework.

Thus, what the petitioners of peace at Mersin University have been experiencing:

is illegal;
violates the presumption of innocence;
is against all academic traditions and the principle of merit;
violates the criteria of objectivity;
contradicts with public interest and represents a misfeasance of authority;
hinders education;
contradicts with the principle of unity in public administration.

https://www.change.org/p/mersin-%C3%BCniversitesi-nde-hukuksuzlu%C4%9Fa-son-akademisyenler-i%C5%9Fine-iade-edilsin

(Update: December 22, 2016): The contract of another signatory academic at Mersin University was not renewed. Thus the number of the signatory academics who lost their jobs due to the nonrenewal of the contract increased to 10.

(Update: February 3, 2017): One signatory academic who could not obtain leave of absence for the postdoc with funding from the USA resigned.

(Update: February 12, 2017): The contract of another signatory academic at Mersin University was not renewed. Thus the number of the signatory academics who lost their jobs due to the nonrenewal of the contract increased to 11.

Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (Muğla)

(Update: February 1, 2017): A second disciplinary investigation was started against the signatory academics at Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. The academics were suspended from office in the disciplinary investigation process.

One signatory academic learned that s/he was banned from travelling abroad upon her/his application to the Passport Branch Office.

Trakya University (Edirne)

(Update: November 24, 2016): One signatory academic (Ph.D. candidate at Trakya University; and a teacher of philosophy, affiliated to the Ministry of National Education) who had been relegated to a post from her/his original post in Tekirdağ to Konya (Ilgın) appealed to the court for the stay of execution. Her/his appeal was rejected and s/he applied to a higher court (İstanbul Administrative Court) her/his appeal was again rejected.

Under the conditions of State of Emergency the signatory academic cannot use her/his right to retire from her/his post in the Ministry of National Education.

(Update: December 09, 2016): Edirne Administrative Court overruled the action of objection by the Ph.D. student filed for the decision of the university investigation committee to “reprimand” as punishment.

(Update: February 3, 2017): The justification presented by the Administrative Court was based on the argument that the signatory academic posed a negative model for the students in the High School where she had been teaching and that s/he would have been under risk in the city she was living, hence it would have been a positive step to send her/him to another city where s/he would not be recognized/known.

Uludağ University

The signatory academics (2) who were dismissed from public office received a notification (as of March 2017) that according to the decision of February 17, 2017, they are under supervised release and that they are forbidden to travel abroad

Van Yüzüncü Yıl University (Van)

(Update: July 22, 2016): 10 signatory academics were suspended from office.

(Update: July 26, 2016): 10 signatory academic were given back to duty.

(Update: November 23, 2016): A signatory academic (Ph.D student at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University) who was dismissed from public duty at the Ministry of National Education by the Decree-Law (No. 675) was demanded to submit defence by the decision (Date: November 03, 2016) due to putting “… signature to the declaration of academics (sic.) … in pursuance of the article 125 D of the Law (No. 657).” (Law on Civil Servants).

(Update: March 23, 2017): Three academics (two among them are signatory academics) were relieved from their duties due to their participation on the strike on December 29, 2016.

(Update: April 11, 2017): One signatory academic was notified with a written statement (Date: April 07, 2017) from the University that s/he was suspended from duty for three months (as of March 24, 2017).

(Update: May 12, 2017): A signatory academic who had been dismissed from public duty within the scope of the Decree Law No. 675 (Date: October 29, 2016) was notified in February 2017 that s/he was punished by the freezing of rank for three years. S/he was also notified by a written statement (Date: May 12, 2017) that s/he was punished by forfeiture of pay (1/30) due to her/his participation in the union activity. (See the update for November 23, 2016, above.)

The senior academics in her/his faculty were asked about their comments about the academic.

Yıldız Technical University (İstanbul)

(Update: February 16, 2017): One signatory academics whose affiliation to the Yıldız Technical University (within the scope of the ÖYP) was terminated in the past months and who then had to return her/his position at Bitlis Eren University was dismissed from public office by the Decree Law No. 686 (Date: February 7, 2017)

ÜAK-YÖK

Decree Law (No.: 683; Date: January 23, 2017) authorizes the Interuniversity Council (ÜAK) with the following capacities:

Applications for the title of Associate Professor

ARTICLE 4 – (1) The procedure related to the application of those applicants for the title of associate professor, who against whom disciplinary or judicial investigations were started, who were suspended from work and/or who were removed from public office due to the decision that these persons are members of or who cohere with or who are in connection with the terror organizations or of those structures, formations or groups, which, according to the National Security Council, involve in activities that are against the national security of the state, are suspended through the period of suspension or until the judicial investigation or proceeding is completed. The applications of those applicants about whom decision to dismiss from public office was taken or who were sentenced to imprisonment shall be cancelled.

February 22, 2017: The application of a signatory academic for oral examination for the title of associate professor in December 2016 was suspended.

February 23, 2017: The application of a signatory academic (at Abant İzzet Baysal University) was put on hold.

February 23, 2017: A signatory academic who was dismissed from public office within the scope of the Decree Law (No. 677; Date November 22, 2016) applied for the title of assistant professor in December 2016. The academics was informed that her/his ‘application was cancelled … due to the related Decree Law.’ According to the information that the academic conveys in the related Decree Law is stated as the Decree Law No. 683 (Date: January 23, 2017), while the date of cancellation of her/his application was stated as of December 22, 2016.

February 27, 2017: The application of a signatory academic on February 15, 2017, for oral examination for the title of associate professor was suspended on February 23, 2017, on the basis of the Decree Law No. 683 (Date: January 23, 2017).

March 28, 2017: The CoHE cancelled the contract one foreign national signatory academic who was working at the İstanbul Technical University.

April 12, 2017: A signatory academic, who was dismissed from public duty within the scope of the Decree Law (No. 686; Date: February 7, 2017) was notified first that her/his application process was halted (10 days before the jury date) and then that her/his application was cancelled (4-5 days before the jury date).

April 12, 2017: The first stage (the assessment of works) was cancelled for two signatory academics (from Boğaziçi University)

April 12, 2017): The application process of one signatory academic from Kemerburgaz University was halted.

April 14, 2017: The application process of one signatory academic from İzmir Ekonomi University was halted.

Notes

As of May 1, 2017, 42 signatory academics, who had been fired, who had retired or resigned were also dismissed from public duty within the scope of Decree Laws. (For example, at Mersin University 12 signatory academics whose contracts were not renewed and 2 signatory academics who resigned were dismissed from public duty within the scope of the Decree Laws.)

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