A number of Turkish academics have written a letter to the Iranian government on Kian’s behalf.  The text and signatories of the letter are below.  They join the many Turkish names on the Free Kian petition in calling for his immediate release.

We, the scholars from Turkey, are very concerned about the developments regarding freedom of expression in Iran. A country being known and admired as a center of scholarly and artistic production is increasingly being associated with repressing artists and scientists.

Dr. Kian Tajbakhsh’s detention in Evin Prison is an unfortunate example of this sad situation. Dr. Tajbakhsh is a worldwide respected Iranian scholar, who has been active in the service of his people. Accusing him of espionage against the state is an insult to not only Dr. Tajbakhsh but also all intellectuals who work to contribute to their communities in the region. His detention is a mistake.

We the undersigned call for the immediate release of our colleague Dr.
Tajbakhsh and ensure his safe return to his family.

1. Koray Caliskan, Bogazici University, Istanbul
2. Ahmet Ersoy, Bogazici University, Istanbul
3. Fikret Adaman, Bogazici University, Istanbul
4. Betul Tanbay, Bogazici University, Istanbul
5. Ali Kerem Saysel, Bogazici University, Istanbul
6. Murat Akan, Bogazici University, Istanbul
7. Elif Özmenek The New School University, New York
8. Gizem Açıkgöz, New York University, New York
9. Gülseren Mutlu, New York University, New York
10. Ayça Çubukçu, Columbia University, New York
11. Burak Özçetin, Middle East Technical University, Ankara
12. Vangelis Kechriotis, Bogazici University, Istanbul
13. Guldem Baykal Buyuksarac, Columbia University, New York
14. Zeynep Gambetti, Bogazici University, Istanbul
15. Ayfer Bartu Candan, Bogazici University, Istanbul
16. Seval Yildirim, Whittier Law School, Costa Mesa
17. Özlem Öz, Bogazici University, Istanbul
18. Ayşe Gül Altınay, Sabancı University, Istanbul