The Cambodian Higher Education Association (CHEA) released a statement on Saturday defending Zaman University against calls for its closure over alleged links to a group blamed for the failed coup in Turkey last month.
The statement dismissed Turkish Ambassador Ilhan Kemal Tug’s claims that the university—along with Zaman’s primary school and high school—was affiliated with a “terrorist organization,” as well as his request that it be shuttered.
“The request for the closure of private Zaman institutes proposed by a Turkish high-ranking diplomat had no clear evidence and has not proven legitimate yet, and causes concern over the future of Cambodian students who are studying now,” it said.
“Under any circumstance,” the group said, it would “continue to support Zaman institute.”
Last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it was considering the ambassador’s diplomatic request to close Zaman’s schools.
Zaman had condemned the coup in Turkey and denied any formal connection to cleric Fethullah Gulen.
AK Party deputy Hakan Şükür against closure of prep schools
Former national team captain and current Justice and Development Party (AK Party) İstanbul deputy Hakan Şükür, referring to the government’s plan to shut down prep schools, has said it was wrong to vote “yes” on their closure before a process is carried out which eliminates the need for the schools.
Turkish official says 252 companies seized over Gülen links
The companies are alleged to be connected to the Gülen movement, a civic initiative based in Turkey, with the government coining the term “FETÖ” to designate the movement a terrorist organization despite the lack of any court verdict to that effect. A court last week in fact ruled out the existence of such an organization named “FETÖ.”
Academic Freedom in Turkey Under Seige
It appears that Fethullah Gülen, a U.S.-based Islamic preacher from Turkey who promotes peace and tolerance, and the schools associated with his religious Hizmet movement can’t get a break. Now, Gülen’s schools are being targeted in his home country by the Turkish government’s ruling Justice and Development Party, known as the AKP, which should dispel any notion in the U.S. that the AKP is somehow in cahoots with the Gülen movement.
[Cafe Capital] Excessive attempts to manipulate people’s perceptions to backfire
The tension caused by a Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors (HSYK) bill that is designed to restructure the HSYJ, the witch-hunts against police officers, teachers and other public employees who have been profiled as members of the Hizmet community (Gülen movement) and the victimization of tens of thousands of people have created unease among the general public. People started reacting negatively to the accusations and slander, which went far beyond the limits of criticism against the Hizmet community, and started saying: “This is too much!
Fethullah Gulen’s Prominence in Indonesia
“The Honorable Gulen is a scholar whose horizon has transcended Turkey’s borders. He is a prolific mind who perfectly marries his thoughts to his words. The tenderness and elegance in his words captivate not only the mind but also the hearts of the reader.”
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