Endangered scholars worldwide

Social Research, Summer, 2007

DR. BERHANU NEGA, an economist and a leading member of Ethiopia's main opposition party, has taught at both Bucknell University and the University of Addis Ababa. In the spring of 2005 he was elected mayor of Addis Ababa. He was subsequently arrested and imprisoned that fall, following a protest over election irregularities, and in July 2007 was sentenced to life imprisonment and permanently denied the right to vote or run for office. The web site www.freenega.org has been set up to track Dr. Nega's case, to collect signatures on a petition for his release, and to provide further information about what can be done on his behalf.

DR. KIAN TAJBAKHSH, a social scientist and urban planner, was arrested in Tehran by the Iranian authorities on or about May 11, 2007. He is being held in solitary confinement in Evin Prison and has been charged with spying for the United States. To sign a statement on Dr. Tajbakh's behalf (see text below), please visit our web site at www.socres.org. For more information about Dr. Tajbakhsh's arrest and the campaign for his release, visit www.freekian.org. His personal web site, with information about his work, is www.kiantajbakhsh.com.

(Information current as of July 16, 2007)