Middle East Studies Association of North America, Inc.
3542 N. Geronimo Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85705
520 333-2577 phone
520 207-3166 fax
Letter to His Royal Majesty of Saudi Arabia regarding reports that six female professors of the University of Riyadh were dismissed for participating in demonstration protesting restraints on driving for women. If true, this dismissal is a serious breach of human rights and academic freedom as the right to participate in a non-violent protest is protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Letter to Syrian President expressing concern over the detention of a number of Syrian academics without charge or trial in violation of the principles of academic freedom and human rights. Detainees have been incarcerated many years without being allowed visits from family members, legal representation or access to adequate medical care. Additionally, many of these academics have lost their university positions in addition to their incarceration.
Third Letter to Sudanese Head of State and Defense Minister regarding the transfer of Dr. Bashir Omer for extended detention despite an absence of evidence that he has committed any criminal offenses.
Letter to Iraqi President expressing concern over the state of academic freedom in Kuwait under Iraqi occupation and the apparent contravening of the Fourth Geneva Conventions of 1949 measures which prohibit collective punishment of persons living in occupied territories as well as requiring the occupying power to facilitate the proper working of educational institutions and forbids destruction of property.
Second letter to Sudanese Head of State and Defense Minister regarding further violations of human rights of detained academics including denial of travel visas for health reasons, harsh treatment of detainees and intimidation by government officials. There is additional concern due to the indefinite closure of Khartoum University following a student strike cutting off students and professors from their place of study.
Second Letter to Israeli Prime Minister expressing approval for the reopening of Bethlehem University after three years but concern that other leading universities in the West Bank and Gaza remain closed depriving students and professors of their places of study and work.
Letter to Sudanese Head of State and Defense Minister regarding the detention of leading professionals including a number of university professors who have been denied family visits and legal representation although none have been charged with any offense.
Letter to Israeli Prime Minister regarding extended closure of universities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and requesting their reopening to allow students and professors to return to their scholarly pursuits.