Academic Chris Stephenson’s Work Permit Cancelled

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Teaching at the Department of Mathematics in Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Bilgi University for 18 years, academic member Chris Stephenson’s work permit has been cancelled by the Council of Higher Education.

Stephenson who signed the declaration entitled “We Will not be a Party to This Crime” issued by the Academics for Peace Initiative didn’t withdraw his signature.

Following the termination of Stephenson’s work permit, “Bilgi Dayanışma” (Bilgi Solidarity) launched a campaign on Twitter with the hashtag “#ChrissizBilgiyeHayır” (#NotoBilgiWithoutChris).

What happened?

Bilgi University academic member, Chris Stephenson was taken into custody at İstanbul Justice Palace in Çağlayan on March 15 where he came to support three academics who were detained because of Academics for Peace/İstanbul group’s declaration.

Stephenson was detained in front of the courthouse at around 9:15 a.m. on charge of having Newroz invitations with signature of Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Provincial Presidency.

He was released on the day (March 16) he appeared before prosecutor but taken to Kumkapı Repatriation Center over demand for deportation. Stephenson left for England on the same day.

İstanbul Provincial Immigration Management Directorate declared on March 18 that Stephenson is not prohibited to return to Turkey. Stephenson saying he will “gladly return to Turkey” to bianet, then came back to Turkey. 

Charged with “terror organization propaganda”, Stephenson appeared before judge on June 23, 2016. 13th Heavy Penal Court ordered acquittal of Stephenson. (EKN/TK)