(Ottawa – July 20, 2016) The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is calling on Turkish authorities to end the crackdown on academics and teachers following last week’s failed coup attempt.

“We respectfully urge Turkish authorities to exercise restraint, observe the rule of law, and fully uphold the civil liberties and academic freedom of educators,” CAUT Executive Director David Robinson stated in a letter issued today to the Turkish Ambassador to Canada. “Those teachers and academics who have been suspended or were forced to resign should be immediately reinstated.”

According to reports, approximately 15,000 educators have been suspended following last week’s failed coup attempt.

“The sheer number of arrests and suspensions in recent days is nothing short of alarming, and suggests that purges are now being used to censor anyone, including academics, who is critical of the government,” added Robinson.

To read the full letter, click here.

Media contact

Angela Regnier, Communications Officer, Canadian Association of University Teachers; 613-726-5186 (o); 613-601-6304 (cell); regnier@caut.ca