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.
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