Introduction (continued)

Summary of AAAS Human Rights Action Network
(AAASHRAN) Alerts
October 1993 to December 1998

Alerts Issued from January 1998 to December 1998

Brazil

A January alert described the Brazilian government's harassment of anthropologist Dr. Dominique Gallois in the form of death threats and law suits. Dr. Gallois is a professor of anthropology at the University of Sao Paulo. The actions used against her appear to be used increasingly in Brazil to halt the legitimate work of anthropologists and other social scientists whose projects interfere with the efforts of commercial miners and loggers.

BURMA (MYANMAR)

The arrest of physics student Thiha Thu was announced in a February alert. Thiha Thu was among 900 students arrested in 1992 for participating in peaceful demonstrations calling for the release of Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and the transfer of power from military to civilian authorities. Updates were issued concerning the continued detention of surgeon Ma Thida, whose long-term imprisonment for her association with Aung San Suu Kyi has contributed to her deteriorating health.

CHINA

In March, an alert was issued about attempts made by two Chinese nationals to sell human organs in the United States from executed prisoners in China. The release into exile of student activist Wang Dan, who was the subject of many previously issued alerts, was announced in April. In August, an alert was issued reporting the imprisonment of software engineer Lin Hai for providing Chinese email addresses to US-based Internet publications that promote democracy, and physicist and dissident Wang Youcai for trying to organize an opposition party. An update was issued in December announcing the trials of Lin Hai and Wang Youcai on charges that include the use of the Internet to promote Democracy in China. An october alert announced that the availability of organs from executed Chinese prisoners was reported in the China Post (Taiwan). The report indicated that Taiwanese patients can make arrangements to receive kidneys taken from executed prisoners in China through an agent in southern Taiwan.

CUBA

The release from prison of Dr. Omar del Pozo Marrero was announced in an April alert. Physician Dezi Mendoza Rivero's release was announced in December. Concern was expressed about the continued detention of engineer and physicist Felix A. Bonne Carcases, as well as the imprisonment of economist Maria Beatriz Roque Cabello. The arrest of another physician, Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet for using state-owned computers to conduct a study on abortions was announced in August. An October alert announced that Cuban prosecutors requested that engineer and physicist Felix A. Bonne Carcases and economist Maria Beatriz Roque Cabello be sentenced to five years in prison. Another alert issued in October announced the charges against the four leaders of the Internal Dissidents' Working Group for the Analysis of the Cuban Socio-Economic Situation (GTDI), including economist Vladimiro Roca Antunez.

EGYPT

The reimprisonment of Dr. Ibrahim Khalil al-Za'farana just hours after his release from prison upon the completion of a three-year prison term with hard labor was announced in a March alert. His release from prison two months later was announced in April.

ETHIOPIA

The deteriorating health of surgeon Dr. Asrat Woldeyes was the subject of a February alert. His case was also addressed in 1996 and 1995 in alerts that described his imprisonment for his affiliation with the Al-Amhara People's Organization, a non-violent opposition party. Dr. Asrat was again the subject of an alert in April as his medical condition continued to worsen. A September alert revealed new fears for the life of Dr. Taye Wolde Semayat, a political scientist and Chair of the Ethiopian Teachers' Association imprisoned since 30 May 1996.

IRAN

In May, an alert was issued describing legislation approved by the Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly calling for the segregation by gender of medical facilities, which seriously jeopardizes women's health. An October alert announced attacks against education for the Baha'is, including the arrest of at least 36 faculty members of the Baha'i Institute of Higher Education (BIHE).

LIBYA

A September alert announced the arrest of more than thirty scientists who were among scores of individuals arrested in Libya in June 1998. Those arrested include university lecturers, engineers, medical doctors, and civil servants.

MEXICO

A July alert reported the dismissal of Dr. Bernardo Salas, who was employed for eleven years at the Laguna Verde nuclear facility, for disclosing irregularities at the plant, including the unsafe disposal of radioactive material. In November an alert announced governmental attacks against researchers in the State of Chiapas.

NIGERIA

The release of Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti after spending three years in prison was announced in a June alert.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Mathematician Ahn Jae-ku's arrest due to alleged pro-North Korean activities was reported in a July alert. His sentence of life imprisonment was based on a confession extracted under a twenty-day interrogation period during which he was tortured.

RUSSIA

The case of engineer Alexandr Nikitin, which has dragged into its second year, was updated in June. Efforts by Al Gore, who interceded for the release of Nikitin when he met with former Prime Minister Sergey Kiriynko, were thwarted when governmental changes resulted in the replacement of the prime minister.

SERBIA

An alert in September announced a new law passed by the Serbian Parliament on 26 May 1998, and signed into law two days later, which seriously undermines academic freedom and the autonomy of Serbian universities, bringing them under the direct control of the government.

TURKEY

In February, an alert was issued concerning the reimprisonment of political scientist Dr. Haluk Gerger under the charge of dissemination of separatist propaganda for an article that he wrote in 1993 for a Kurdish daily. The brutal attack of prominent human rights activist Akin Birdal, president of the Turkish Human Rights Association, was reported in a May alert. Mr. Birdal worked closely with AAAS in its investigation into human rights violations perpetrated against scientists. An alert describing the continued harassment of torture treatment centers operated by the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey was issued when its first center in the Diyarbakir region was closed, just days after it was opened in June. An alert announcing the reopening of the center was issued in August.

VIETNAM

A May alert expressed concern about the deteriorating health of endocrinologist Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, who was serving a twenty-year prison sentence for his political activities. Dr. Nguyen Dan Que's release was announced in September.

Alerts Issued in 1997

BURMA (MYANMAR)

In February, the first of three 1997 alerts concerning the deteriorating health of imprisoned surgeon Ma Thida was issued. A former assistant to Nobel Peace Price winner Aung San Suu Kyi, Dr. Ma Thida was sentenced to twenty years in prison. She was among many health professionals who treated those injured during the 1988 pro-democracy demonstrations. Reportedly not receiving adequate medical treatment, she suffers from ovarian tumors. An August alert again reported concern about Dr. Ma Thida, who was diagnosed with endometriosis and also suffers from tuberculosis. In October, an alert announced the slight improvement of Dr. Ma Thida's health and her ability to provide medical care to fellow prisoners.

BURUNDI

Concern about the arrest, torture, and ill-treatment of Isaac Nitereka, an engineer with Brasserie du Burundi and a member of the executive board of the opposition National Recovery Party, was expressed in a July alert. The charges against Nitereka are believed to be politically motivated and part of a crackdown against former President Bagaza's supporters.

EGYPT

The arrest, detention, torture and ill-treatment of veterinarian Mohammad Abdu were reported in a July alert. Mr. Abdu was arrested along with two others for criticizing Law 96 of 1992, an agricultural law which permits landowners to evict tenants after a grace period. The extension of Mohammad Abdu's detention order for an additional fifteen days was reported in an August alert. The 25 September 1997 release of Mr. Abdu was announced in an October alert. The same alert announced the continued detention of engineer Kamal Khalil Khalil and economics and political science student Akram Alfy Mikha'il, who were also arrested for opposing Law 96 of 1992; the torture and ill-treatment of others arrested under similar circumstances; and the release of professor of chemical engineering Dr. Ahmad al-Ahwany, who was also detained in connection with the agricultural law. The release of engineer Kamal Khalil Khalil was announced in December.

ETHIOPIA

First reported in July 1996, the case against Dr. Taye Woldesemayat, imprisoned on fabricated charges of terrorism, was updated in February 1997. The alert announced a possible life sentence for Dr. Taye, who was held in a cell with twenty others and shackled for several months while held in solitary confinement. In April, an alert updating the case of Dr. Alemayehu Teferra who was fired from his university post in 1992, announced the charges of "aggravated genocide" that were brought against him by Ethiopia's Federal High Court. He had been detained without charge since April 1993.

GAMBIA

A September alert announced attempts by government-owned Gambia Telecommunications (GAMTEL) to censor opposition to female genital mutilation over state-owned radio and television stations. GAMTEL issued a statement prohibiting programs or news items that "either seemingly oppose female genital mutilation or tend to portray the medical hazards of the practice" and called for the active use of the media to support female genital mutilation. The reversal of this policy was announced in a December alert.

GUATEMALA

A March alert announced the continuation of threats against the Association for the Advancement of Social Sciences in Guatemala. The threats were consistent with a pattern of harassment conducted by members of the security forces against its perceived opponents. The attacks against the Association began with the murder of its co-founder, Dr. Myrna Mack, in September 1990.

INDONESIA

The arrest of economist Sri Bintang, former member of Indonesia's Parliament, was announced in an April alert. Arrested on 5 March 1997 under the country's anti-subversion laws, Sri Bintang was charged in connection with greeting cards he distributed outlining the three-point agenda of the United Democratic Party of Indonesia, which urged citizens to boycott the May 1997 parliamentary elections and oppose the re-election of President Suharto.

MEXICO

Death threats made against surgeon Gerardo Gonzalez Figueroa and his family were the subject of an alert issued in June. Dr. Gonzalez Figueroa, chairman of the Coordination of Non-Governmental Organizations for Peace, received the threats after the organization issued a statement criticizing the withdrawal of visas and expulsion of international human rights monitors from the state of Chiapas. The physical assault of Virginia Gonzalez Torres, an activist on behalf of people with mental disabilities, was the subject of an October alert. Hospital workers attacked Ms. Gonzalez Torres during a hospital inspection. She suffered severe injuries.

NIGERIA

A June alert announced the refusal of Nigerian authorities to release medical doctor Frederick Fasheun, chairman of the Campaign for Democracy, despite calls for his release from the Federal High Court in Lagos. Dr. Fasheun was declared to be a threat to state security and imprisoned under Decree No. 2 of 1984 allowing for any individual judged to be a threat to state security to be detained incommunicado without charge or trial indefinitely. In July, an alert announced the refusal of authorities to uphold a Federal High Court order to produce before the Court Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, an economist and founding member of the National Democratic Coalition, an opposition coalition. Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye was reportedly suffering from poor health as a result of the harsh conditions of his detention.

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

The administrative detention of Palestinian economist Mr. Imad Faisal Sabi was announced in an August alert. Mr. Sabi was accused of involvement with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and regarded a "security threat." The real reason for his arrest is believed to be the expression of his opinion that "the Oslo Accords and subsequent agreements are not a basis for a just settlement." The detention of Mr. Sabi precluded him from beginning a fellowship in the M.A. program at the Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands. An October alert announced Mr. Sabi's release, to allow him to pursue his studies in the Netherlands. In September, the arrest and severe torture and ill-treatment of Mr. Fathi Ahmed Subuh, an assistant professor of education at Al-Azhar University, were reported. Mr. Subuh's arrest may be due to a final examination question that he prepared for his students asking them to write about corruption of the Palestinian Authority and in Al-Azhar University. A December alert announced Mr. Subuh's release on bail to obtain medical treatment for injuries he received while under torture.

PERU

A March alert announced the release from prison by presidential pardon of Nery Fermin Medina Quispe and Fortunato Graciano Sumina Taco. Both men were prisoners of conscience arrested in September 1992 and given 22-year prison sentences. Their sentence was based solely on the testimony of two guerrillas, which was obtained under duress and was later recanted in court.

ROMANIA

In April 1997, Romanian electrical engineer Silviu Axinescu was again denied the right to travel, an issue that first surfaced in regards to Axinescu in 1995. Dr. Axinescu was denied permission to accept a one-year post as a visiting scientist at the Centre for Advanced Technology in Indore, India.

TUNISIA

A September alert announced the continued harassment of Dr. Moncef Ben Salem, founder of the mathematics department at the University of Sfax and former visiting professor at the University of Maryland and the University of Michigan. Dr. Ben Salem was arrested in 1990 for criticism of the government's human rights record and hostility to Islam. He has been the subject of an official campaign of harassment and intimidation and has been held under virtual house arrest since his release from prison in 1993.

TURKEY

The first alert of 1997 announced the continuation of the trial against representatives of the Human Rights Foundation, physician Tufan Kose and lawyer Mustafa Cincilik. The guilty verdict against Dr. Tufan Kose and the acquittal of Mustafa Cincilik were announced in a May alert. New charges brought against Yavuz Onen, chairman of the Turkish Union of Engineers and Architects and president of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, in connection with his human rights advocacy activities were announced in a November alert.

UNITED STATES

A March alert protested the denial of entry visas to five Cuban scientists seeking to travel to the US to present a symposium on their work at the Sannibel Island Symposium on Quantum Physics.

VIETNAM

In March, an alert was issued reiterating concern about the long term imprisonment of Vietnamese endocrinologist Dr. Nguyen Dan Que and announcing the arrest of nurse Vo Van Pham. Both men were arrested in the early 1990s for the peaceful expression of their views. Dr. Que was sentenced to 20 years in prison for writing a manifesto calling for democratic change in Vietnam. Vo Van Pham was serving a 12 year prison sentence for his calls for a multi-party political system. Concern about the deteriorating health of Dr. Que was again expressed in an August alert.

Alerts Issued in 1996

BURMA (MYANMAR)

An alert issued on 2 February revealed the ill-treatment Dr. Khin Zaw Win, a dentist serving a 15 year prison sentence. He is one of eight prisoners who, beginning in November 1995, were singled out for punishment, including placement in dog cells and solitary confinement, removal of bedding materials, and cessation of family visits. This treatment is reportedly due to the prisoners' alleged provision of information about poor prison conditions to Professor Yozo Yokota, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for human rights on Myanmar. This case was updated in a later alert which stated that Dr. Khin Zaw Win and five others continued to be held in cells meant for military dogs. In August, an alert was issued on behalf of engineer U Aung Kyi who was believed to have been arrested for possessing "political" letters and material from "illegal organizations." At the time the alert was issued, U Aung Kyi's whereabouts were not known.

CHINA

An update was issued on 23 May regarding physics student Liu Gang, a prominent dissident and prisoner of conscience. Gang surfaced in the United States on 1 May. He stated that he was forced to flea China due to the constant harassment of his friends and family by police and the threat of possible re-imprisonment for himself. As of June 1996, economist Chen Ziming, who was diagnosed with cancer, continued to be denied medical care. He was serving a 13 year prison sentence for "counter-revolutionary" activities and for allegedly masterminding the pro-democracy demonstrations of June 1989. Under house arrest after undergoing surgery and radiotherapy for prostrate cancer, Chen was re-imprisoned in June 1995. In October, a petition was issued in collaboration with the New York Academy of Sciences and the Committee of Concerned Scientists concerning the trial of pro-democracy activist Wang Dan on charges of "conspiring to subvert the government." The charges were based on his acceptance of a scholarship to fund a correspondence course at the University of California at Berkeley. Although Wang was released from prison following his arrest for his leadership role in the 1989 pro-democracy demonstrations, he continued his pro-democracy activities and was subsequently re-arrested. Wang's 11 year prison sentence, which was handed down during a secret trial, was announced in a November alert.

CUBA

In October, an alert was issued concerning the arrest and fragile state of health of Cuban engineer Carlos Lores Martinez, who was arrested on the charge of producing "enemy propaganda" while teaching a class at the Electronics Faculty of Pinar del Rio University. Lores Martinez was denied legal representation and access to medical treatment.

EGYPT

The trial before a military court of Dr. Mahmoud Ahmad al-'Arini, dean of the sciences faculty at the University of Cairo, Dr. 'Abd al-Hamid al-Ghazali, lecturer at the faculty of economics and political science, and Dr. Issam Hashish, lecturer in the faculty of engineering was announced in an alert issued in October. The men were arrested along with nine others in April 1996. They were accused of founding an illegal political party, al Wasat. Their conviction was reported in a November alert.

Ethiopia

Following the receipt of reports of a new wave of arrests in Ethiopia, an alert was issued on behalf of physician Dr. Asrat Buli and male nurse Teshome Mutama. Dr. Buli was arrested on 15 February, held without charge, and denied access to his family or legal representation. The safety of Teshome Mutama, arrested on 12 February, was of particular concern due to reports of the death in custody of one of those arrested. On 22 July 1996, the first of many alerts regarding the arrest of the chairman of the Ethiopian Teacher's Association, Dr. Taye Wolde Semayat, was issued. Dr. Taye was among 42 Ethiopian academics dismissed from Addis Ababa University in 1993. The arrest of Dr. Taye was reported along with that of Mhamed Abdo Tuko, an assistant professor of electrical engineering who was among 34 people arrested in connection with a violent incident that took place at the Anwar Mosque in Addis Ababa.

GUATEMALA

A 9 July 1996 alert reported death threats made against Carlos Federico Reyes Lopez, a member of the Guatemalan Forensic Anthropology Team, which was established by AAAS. Reyes Lopez reported that he and his family had received death threats. On one occasion, he was threatened at gunpoint and told to change his job. A second alert regarding the continued death threats against Reyes Lopez was issued in October.

Jordan

An alert issued on 9 December 1995 described the arrest of Leith Shubeilat, head of the Engineers' Union and a leader of the Jordanian opposition. His arrest and subsequent detention were triggered by comments he made in a 7 November 1995 speech that criticized the monarchy and the peace agreement signed with Israel. His punishment resulted solely from the peaceful expression of his opinions. In September 1996, an alert announced the three-year prison sentence imposed on Dr. Shubeilat on the charge of "shameful act that is directed against the king." In the same alert, the arrests of an agriculturist, a doctor, and two engineers as part of a crack-down on supporters of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were announced. The release of Leith Shubeilat under a special amnesty was announced in a November alert. King Hussein bin Talal reportedly drove to Swaqa Prison and personally informed Shubeilat of his release. King Hussein then drove Shubeilat to his mother's house in Aman.

MALAYSIA

The lengthy trial of Dr. Irene Fernandez, women's rights activist, human rights campaigner, and the director of Tenaganita, a group that conducts research on health conditions of migrant workers in Malaysia, was first reported in July 1996. Dr. Fernandez was arrested and charged with "false reporting" in connection with a report issued by Tenaganita on health conditions and human rights violations in camps for detained migrant workers. A December alert on the ongoing trial of Dr. Fernandez reported the alteration of charges against Dr. Fernandez, as permitted by Malaysian law. At the time of writing that alert, Dr. Fernandez was being charged with "maliciously maligning the good name of Malaysia in the eyes of the world."

PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

All four alerts concerning the Palestinian Authority were issued concerning Dr. Iyad al-Sarraj, a well-known human rights activist and director of the Gaza Community Mental Health Program and commissioner general of the Palestine Independent Commission for Citizen's Rights. A 23 May alert announced his detention. According to the Palestinian Attorney General, Dr. al-Sarraj was suspected of "slander," apparently in connection with comments he made to the New York Times in which he criticized the Palestinian self-rule government and its security forces. An alert that followed announced his release. An 11 June alert reported his re-arrest and severe beating following a police search of his home. Dr. al-Sarraj was subsequently released by order of Mr. Arafat on 26 June 1996.

Peru

An alert issued on 12 March addressed the continued detention of medical professionals and other scientists, whose cases have been monitored by AAAS since 1992. The AAAS verified that many scientists remained imprisoned due to unsubstantiated claims of terrorism.

Russia

The three alerts concerning Russia documented the case of engineer and former marine officer Alexandr Nikitin. The first alert stated that Nikitin was accused of high treason in connection with his work for the Norwegian Ecological Foundation Bellona, which is under investigation by the FSB (formerly the KGB). He was held in isolation and denied access to his lawyer. A 15 May update of the case stated that the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation declared the actions of the FSB unconstitutional. Nikitin was permitted representation of his choice and allowed visits from his wife, but his lawyer's request for bail was denied. A December alert announced Nikitin's release from prison. Still facing threat of the death penalty, Nikitin was not permitted to leave St. Petersburg while the Moscow prosecutor reviewed his case.

Saudi Arabia

On 3 May, an alert was issued expressing concern about reports indicating the possible torture of hematologist Dr. Abdul Rahim Turan Gari Bai. He was held solely for the nonviolent expression of his beliefs. According to reports he has been held without charge or legal representation since early 1995, and was subjected to torture and may again be in danger of torture.

Turkey

An alert concerning Turkey updated a 9 January 1995 alert documenting the case of engineer Yavuz Onen and research director Fevzi Argun, both of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT). New charges against Onen and Argun resulted from an article entitled "We Protect Human Rights with Imperfect Constitution and Laws," which appeared in a book published by the HRFT. On 26 April, a further update to this case announced their acquittal. This alert also reported new charges brought against representatives of the Foundation's Adana Branch, including a physician. This case was again updated on 14 May, reporting that the Adana Chief Prosecutor's Office was pursuing an indictment against physician Dr. Tufan Kose and lawyer Mustafa Cincilik. They were charged under Articles 526 and 530 of the Turkish Penal Code for "operating an unlicensed health center," and "negligence in denouncing a crime." In May, an alert was issued regarding the 8 May arrest of Dr. Seyfettin Kizilkan, president of the Turkish Medical Association, Diyarbakir Medical Chamber, and chief physician of the Diyarbakir Social Insurance Organization Hospital. In September, an alert announced that charges had been brought against Dr. Sukran Akin, a medical doctor representing the Human Rights Foundation's Istanbul Branch, as part of the continued harassment of the Foundation. The same alert provided an update on the latest trial of the HRFT in which the court requested the confidential medical records of individuals treated at the Adana Center for the Treatment of Torture Survivors. A November alert announced the acquittal of Dr. Sukran Akin and the continuation of the trial against the Foundation's Adana representatives.

Alerts Issued in 1995

Argentina

A 13 November 1995 update reported that the murder trial of Diego Rodriguez was scheduled to start on 31 October 1995. Twelve members of the Jujuy police unit and two civilians were to be tried on charges ranging from illegal detention, homicide, theft, and failure to uphold public duties, to concealment and false statement.

Bahrain

An alert issued on 1 December announced that Dr. Munira Ahmed Fakhro, associate professor of sociology at the University of Bahrain, was suspended from her teaching position on 2 October 1995 due to her refusal to withdraw support for the Bahraini women's petition, which she signed in April. Despite the peaceful nature of the petition's demands, the government of Bahrain has sought to punish the signatories, including many who held teaching posts at the University of Bahrain and in public schools. On 2 October, Dr. Muhammed al-Ghatam, the newly appointed president of the University of Bahrain, informed her that she would be suspended from her teaching position until issues surrounding her political activities were settled.

Bolivia

The case of Marcelo Gonzalez Barrios was documented in a 19 June alert. Gonzalez Barrios is leader of the Bolivian Health Sector Union. He was one of numerous Bolivian trade unionists arrested in a series of mass arrests conducted under the national state of siege enacted on 18 April 1995. There is no evidence that Marcelo Gonzalez Barrios or any of those arrested with him have been involved in any violent activities. They are considered prisoners of conscience.

Burma (Myanmar)

An alert was issued on behalf of four students who were arrested on 20 February for their nonviolent participation in the funeral of U Nu, a leader of the pro-democracy movement of 1988 and Myanmar's only democratically elected prime minister. Moe Maung Maung, Maung Maung Oo, Moe Kalayar Oo, and Aye Aye Moe all received seven-year prison terms. The second alert was an update documenting the declining health of Dr. Ma Thida, a Burmese surgeon and writer arrested in 1993 and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for the non-violent expression of her beliefs and her association with Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.

China

In April, the Program issued an alert describing discriminatory eugenics laws passed in China. The Standing Committee of the Chinese People's Congress adopted a law designed to limit "inferior births," under which doctors have routinely been coerced into performing abortions, sterilizations and infanticide in compliance with this and other population control laws. The second alert addressed the retrieval of organs for transplantation from executed prisoners without the consent of the prisoners or their families. The next alert was issued on behalf of a group of 45 prominent scientists and intellectuals who petitioned the Chinese government in a joint letter calling for the "release [of] all those who have been imprisoned because of their thoughts, religious beliefs, or acts of speech and boldly end the ignominious tradition of literary inquisitions that has persisted in our country since ancient times." Several from this group have experienced harassment (including detention) by government officials. An update to this case made an appeal to the scientific community to add their names to the petition drafted by the Chinese scientists. An alert dated 16 June described the case of Zhang Jingsheng, a prisoner of conscience who was arrested on June 1989 for his peaceful political activity. Mr. Jingsheng was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment and has reportedly been subject to ill-treatment including beatings and solitary confinement. An alert was issued in July to announce the re-arrest of biochemist and prominent dissident leader Chen Zeming; this same alert noted the detention of geologist and naturalized American citizen Harry Wu. Later updates stated that Chen Ziming went on a hunger strike in protest of authorities denying him medical treatment for his cancer, and that

Harry Wu was charged with espionage by Chinese authorities. An alert issued on 31 August reported Wu's release. Finally, an alert was issued announcing the release of physics student and prominent dissident Liu Gang, upon completion of his six-year prison sentence for his pro-democracy activities during the 1989 Tiananmen demonstrations.

Colombia

On 26 June, an alert was issued concerning the disappearance of Jorge Ivan Alarcon Sanchez, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Antioquia. He was last seen in El Morro de San Antonio de Prado, from where he was taken in a military vehicle by soldiers. The second alert reported death threats received by radiologist Dr. Carlos Emilios Ramirez following the publication of magazine articles that accused him of being a member of the guerilla group Ejercito de Liberacion Nacionel (ELN).

Cuba

The case of Dr. del Pozo Marrero, a prisoner of conscience, was the subject of an alert issued on 12 October. He was arrested in April 1992 and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment resulting from accusations that he revealed state security secrets. His sentence is believed to be based solely on his political and human rights activities. Despite appeals for his release on medical grounds made by a visiting French human rights group, Dr. del Pozo has been transferred to Guanajay prison and his condition continues to worsen.

Egypt

On 2 March 1995, an alert was issued on behalf of four Egyptian doctors arrested solely for their membership in the Muslim Brothers Movement. A majority of the physicians in the Medical Syndicate are members. None of the doctors arrested advocate the use of violence. A second alert was issued regarding the legalization of female genital mutilation when performed by medical professionals in Egypt. This new decree makes the practice illegal only if performed by individuals outside of the medical profession, thus forcing medical professionals to perform a procedure that is in violation of the ethical codes of the medical profession. The third alert documented the arbitrary arrest of physician Dr. Mahmoud Mubarak Ahmad. A 22 November alert noted that six doctors were among thirteen members of the Muslim Brothers Movement arrested on 9 October. This alert also included an update concerning two other members of the Muslim Brothers Movement, Dr. 'Issam al-'Iryan and Dr. Ibrahim al-Za'farani, who were tried by a military court. The last alert of 1995 listed sentences issued by the military court of seven of the scientists arrested for their membership in the Muslim Brothers Movement.

El Salvador

The only alert concerning El Salvador documented the case of Dr. Francisco Carillo, a physician who directs FUNDASIA, the only non-governmental health clinic in El Salvador that provides care to people suffering from AIDS. Dr. Carillo reported numerous death threats and the raiding of the FUNDASIA office by three armed men who took a television set, a personal computer, a typewriter, and confidential documents. Such threats are believed to be intended to discourage health care professionals from providing essential support to Salvadorans who suffer from AIDS.

Ethiopia

An update issued on 28 March reported that Dr. Asrat Woldeyes, physician and former dean of Addis Ababa University Medical School, was sentenced to an additional six months in prison for contempt of court because of an open letter he wrote to the court dismissing his lawyers on the grounds that he had no hope for a fair trial. Dr. Asrat was arrested in 1994 for allegedly "inciting armed uprising against the government."

Iran

The arbitrary arrest and consequent disappearance of biochemistry student Javad Rouhani was reported in an 18 October alert. Rouhani is the son of Grand Ayatollah Sadeq Rouhani, who reportedly criticized restrictions on religious rites, arrests and imprisonment of people, forcible exile, beatings, and reported killings in an open letter to President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Javad Rouhani is considered a prisoner of conscience. It is believed that his arrest is solely due to nonviolent expression of his beliefs.

Kenya

An August alert reported that paleontologist Dr. Richard Leakey and eight others were attacked on 10 August by a group of men outside the Nakuru Law Courts and then outside Nakuru Prison in the Rift Valley as police watched. Several of the victims suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized in Nakuru. Witnesses identified the attackers as members of the local youth wing of the Kenyan African National Union (KANU) Party that currently governs Kenya.

Nigeria

The first AAASHRAN alert regarding Nigeria was issued on behalf of Dr. Ore Falomo, chairman of the Board of Lagos University Teaching Hospital and an executive member of the Lagos state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association. He was detained by authorities, apparently for making public his fears regarding the health of Bashroun Moshood K.O. Abiola, the opposition leader who is in detention in Abuja. A

later update issued on 4 October stated that Dr. Falomo was released. The second alert concerned Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, a physician and human rights activist who was arrested in connection with his human rights activities. His life sentence was commuted to 15 years imprisonment.

Peru

An alert issued on 13 March described the cases of eight Peruvian physicians whose arrests were based solely on accusations made by members of the armed opposition. The accusers were taking advantage of the Ley de Arrepentimiento (Repentance Law) to obtain lenient treatment in exchange for information leading to the capture of other alleged members of the opposition. On April 13, an alert was issued noting the release of five of the doctors, the sentencing of two to 20 years imprisonment, and the arrest of two environmentalists under similar circumstances.

Romania

A 1 November alert concerned the professional harassment, including denial of the right to travel, of physicist and electrical engineer Silviu Axinescu. This harassment reportedly stems from the fact that he maintains relationships with scientists from other countries. A subsequent alert noted that Dr. Axinescu was able to complete an application for financial support to attend the European Particle Accelerator Conference to be held in Barcelona, Spain, in June 1996.

Sudan

One alert reported the arrest and subsequent disappearance of physician Dr. Hashim Mohamed Zeyada on 29 May. It is believed that Dr. Zeyada and his colleague were captured from a government installation at Bentiu as prisoners of conscience because of their work in a territory controlled by armed opponents of the Sudan government. A later alert dated 2 August announced his release. The second alert also addressed the 2 September arrest of dozens of people, including 22 students, agriculturalist Ibrahim Fateh as-Rahman, Dr. Yahya Mukwar, and economist Kamal 'Abd al-Karim Mirghani, who officials said attended an illegal "communist" meeting. The same alert also noted the arrest and detention of engineer Sidiq Yussif, a communist party member and former prisoner of conscience.

Syria

An alert issued 8 September concerned over 100 health professionals, including doctors, surgeons, general practitioners, opthamologists, pharmacists, gynecologists, medical students, veterinary surgeons, and dentists. All were arrested and imprisoned without charge or trial in 1980 following a one-day strike held in March of that year, which was sponsored by legal, engineering, and medical as well as related health organizations. The Syrian government has still not accounted for all of those arrested in 1980.

Tunisia

An alert was issued on behalf of Dr. Moncef Marzouki, a professor of public health and prominent human rights activist who was the subject of a 1994 alert when he was arrested and charged with "spreading false information liable to disturb order and insulting the judiciary authorities." In April, Dr. Marzouki was denied permission to travel for the second time in 1994, when he attempted to attend a meeting of the executive committee of the Arab Organization for Human Rights. A later update noted that his freedom to travel was restored. A 14 July alert reported that electrical engineering student Ben Gharbia was arrested on 21 April for his participation in a meeting and demonstration in Germany in 1988.

Turkey

The first alert issued on Turkey concerned the prosecution and arrest of officials of the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey. The government charged engineer Yavuz Onen and research director Fevzi Onen with violation of the "Law to Fight Terrorism," because of their publication of the report File of Torture 1980-1994, detailing the cases of 420 people who are reported to have died in detention. As a result of a major international campaign on their behalf, the following week an alert updating their case reported their acquittal. The second alert contained information about Ahest Akbilek, a health care worker detained by police from the Anti-Terror Branch of Ankara Security. An update was later issued noting Ahest Akbilek's release. An alert dated 3 July announced the release of economist Fikret Baskaya, who had been sentenced in 1994 to 20 months imprisonment for "spreading separatist propaganda." The last 1995 alert concerning Turkey was issued on behalf of sociologist Dr. Ismail Besikci and political scientist Dr. Haluk Gerger. Besikci was sentenced to 25 years and 3 months in prison and given a fine of over $US 100,000 in connection with his books and articles. Dr. Gerger was sentenced to 20 months in prison and fined approximately $5,000 for sending a letter to a memorial meeting for three prisoners who were executed in 1972. His sentence was later extended three years due to his refusal to pay the fine.

United States

An alert was issued regarding the use and sale of antipersonnel landmines, which is considered to be a grave misuse of science and technology. Figures from the US Department of State indicate that landmines kill or maim over 26,000 people per year worldwide.

Vietnam

A September alert documented the deteriorating health of endocrinologist Dr. Nguyen Dan Que, who is currently in virtual solitary confinement and receives only a brief family visit each month. In June 1990, Dr. Dan Que was arrested and charged with engaging in "activities aimed at overthrowing the people's government" for his involvement in an opposition group he helped to establish called Cao Trao Nhan Ban (High Tide of Humanism Movement). In 1991, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison and five years of house arrest.

Alerts Issued in 1994

Argentina

An alert issued on 1 June reported the cover-up surrounding the fatal beating of engineer and forestry expert Diego Rodriguez Laguens by police. The beating occurred on or around 20 February, resulting from Rodriguez' involvement in an argument with a bus driver. Rodriguez' mother and family lawyer have both received death threats.

Bahrain

On 29 July, an alert documented the forcible exile of physician Dr. Abd al-Aziz al-Rashid on the grounds that he was politically undesirable. After being repeatedly denied re-entry to his homeland as well as entry into Kuwait or Syria, al-Rashid was finally granted a one-year visa and placed on a flight to the United Arab Emirates, where he was admitted.

China

Six alerts were issued involving China. All six cases were unrelated. The first alert was issued on behalf of Liu Gang and thirteen other scientists who have been imprisoned without fair trial and are often being denied medical assistance. Liu Gang was invited to participate in the 1994 AAAS Annual Meeting in San Francisco. Liu was arrested for his participation in the pro-democracy activities in 1989. The second Chinese alert was issued on the use of psychiatric hospitals and treatment for detaining political prisoners. Three men were reportedly being detained in psychiatric hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai for political rather than medical purposes. A third alert, announcing the release of Wang Juntao, was issued to update a 1993 alert. Wang Juntao, a physicist, an economist, and a leader in the pro-democracy movement in 1989, was the subject of two alerts in 1993 and another in April 1994. Wang Juntao is now living in the United States and attended the 1995 AAAS Annual Meeting. A fourth alert protested the confiscation of the October 1992 issue of Future and Development in which an article appeared by Xu Liangying, a physicist and scientific historian. A fifth alert was issued in August. This alert announced the beginning of a major political trial in Beijing on 14 July involving the prosecution of a group of prisoners of conscience arrested in May and June of 1993 for counter-revolutionary activities. Among those on trial were a chemical worker, a doctor, a meteorologist and 11 others detained for their activities to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations. The trials had been repeatedly postponed since 1993 and the individuals had never been charged with a crime. The sixth alert on China was issued in October announcing the denial of adequate medical care to biochemist Chen Ziming, a prominent leader of the 1989 pro-democracy movement.

Ethiopia

Two alerts were issued on Ethiopia. The first, issued in May, updated the 1993 alert about the dismissal of 42 professors from Addis Ababa University. The professors had filed a suit in court; however, relevant government authorities claimed that the dismissed professors had not been legal government employees. The alert also reported the arrest of the immediate past president of the University, Dr. Alemayehu Teferra, and the arrest of the chairman of the Ethiopian Chemical Society, Berhane Mewa. The second alert announced a new case concerning Dr. Asrat Woldeyes, a surgeon and former professor and dean of Addis Ababa University. Dr. Asrat was also chairman of the Al-Amhara People's Organization (AAPO), a nonviolent political opposition party. This alert also announced the release of Berhane Mewa.

Indonesia

Three alerts were issued regarding the case of Dr. Aditjondro in Indonesia. The first alert was issued in April when reports indicated that Dr. Aditjondro had been threatened with dismissal from his university position for the publication of scholarly articles in Australian newspapers that could not be published in Indonesia. An update was issued on Dr. Aditjondro indicating that his job was no longer in danger; however, a third alert was posted in October when a warrant for his arrest was issued. Reports indicated that police were under strong pressure to deal aggressively with Dr. Aditjondro.

Iraq

Two unrelated alerts concerned Iraq. The first, issued on 13 May, was in regard to Iraq's use of chemical weapons against Kurdish villages located in Northern Iraq. The second alert, issued on 18 November, documented the Iraqi Revolutionary Command Council's coercion of medical professionals to carry out medical procedures such as punitive amputations and brandings.

Israel

An alert was issued reporting the inadequate medical treatment of long-term prisoner Dr. Avraham Klingberg. Klingberg, a 75-year-old bacteriologist, was arrested in 1983 on charges of espionage. While serving his 18 year sentence, he suffered a stroke in 1993 and his health continued to deteriorate. An independent physician certified that prolonged imprisonment would place Dr. Klingberg's life in danger.

Laos

A 24 January alert reported that three government officials, including Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Thongsouk Saysangkhi and former Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Latsami Khamphoui, continued to be in prison and lacked adequate medical attention. They were arrested in October 1990 for writing articles and letters criticizing the government for "restricting popular liberties and democracy."

Lebanon

An alert was issued in regard to Dr. Samir Geagea, a physician and leader of the Lebanese Forces political party. He was detained with approximately 20 others. A 15 June update reported that a formal criminal indictment was issued against him.

Mexico

Three alerts were issued regarding the Mexican government's reaction to the Zapatista rebellion. On 28 February, an alert was issued as events surrounding the rebellion raised several issues of concern to the scientific community, particularly when Mexican officials refused to permit independent international forensic experts to observe autopsies of persons killed during the uprising. The refusal made it more difficult to investigate and document allegations of numerous violations of international human rights that were reported in the area, including a report that San Carlos Hospital of Altamirano in the Chiapas region had been under armed siege from local townspeople who had criticized the facility and its staff for providing medical assistance to wounded Zapatistas. An update was issued announcing a response from the Mexican government indicating that all necessary legal procedures were being undertaken to prosecute those who assaulted the medical center and that the US embassy confirmed that the situation regarding the safety of the medical facility had in fact improved. In July, an alert was issued on behalf of an ethnosociologist, Andre Aubry, the coordinator of the Institute of Anthropological Advice for the Maya Region, which compiles historical archives and is widely published. These publications had been in great demand from foreign journalists and representatives from NGOs arriving in the region. Dr. Aubry had received several death threats.

Nepal

On 23 September, an alert reported that a group of scientists conducting an independent inquiry into the environmental, economic, and cultural impacts of a proposed hydro-electric project were attacked. They also were subjected to threats and intimidation to prevent public criticism of the project. There is evidence that government officials may have known about or supported the attack as part of an effort to stifle opposition to the state-sponsored development project.

Peru

An alert issued on 5 January reported that chemist and biochemical engineer Magda Mateo Bruno was sentenced on 16 November 1993 to 10 years in prison. She was charged with being the "intellectual author" of terrorist activities carried out by Sendero Luminoso (the Shining Path).

Republic of Korea

Both of the alerts on South Korea concerned mathematician Ahn Jae-ku. The first alert on 30 June announced the arrest of Ahn Jae-ku, a South Korean mathematics professor at Kyonghee University, and his son An Young-min. The two were arrested for alleged pro-North Korean activities. They were held for interrogation under the National Security Law. A second alert issued in December notified subscribers of Ahn Jae-ku's sentencing to life imprisonment.

Russia

All five alerts issued on Russia were written on behalf of Dr. Vil Mirzayanov, a Russian chemist. The first alert was issued on 12 January immediately after AAAS received notification that Dr. Mirzayanov was being brought to trial for publicizing the fact that sophisticated new binary nerve gases were under development in a Moscow laboratory and that quantities of the gases were being stored at facilities southwest of Moscow, which is contrary to international treaties prohibiting chemical weapons production. The second alert regarding Dr. Mirzayanov was issued on 2 February indicating that preliminary proceedings in his criminal trial began on 24 January and reporting that Dr. Mirzayanov had decided to boycott the remainder of the trial in protest against what he called undemocratic "kangaroo" proceedings. The court thus ordered his arrest and incarceration in one of the least desirable prisons in the region. A third alert reported the termination of Dr. Mirzayanov's case for lack of evidence of a crime. An update was issued in March indicating that the AAAS Science and Human Rights Program had delivered testimony to the Russian Duma urging ratification of the 1993 Chemical Weapons Liquidation Convention to prevent scientists, such as Vil Mirzayanov, from being placed in the position of performing work prohibited by other international agreements. A special update was issued on behalf of Dr. Mirzayanov in August when a civil court awarded him the equivalent of $12,000 in damages for his illegal imprisonment and prosecution. This was the first judicial proceeding in Russia since democratic reforms were instituted that resulted in a finding that the government had acted improperly. However, the Russian Office of Visas and Registrations in the Ministry of the Interior denied him travel visas to attend two scientific meetings in Germany. He has since been allowed to travel to the United States and attended the 1995 AAAS Annual Meeting where he was awarded the AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award.

Saudi Arabia

An alert issued on 4 November reported that a number of academics with ties to the Committee for the Defense of Legitimate Rights (CDLR), including associate professor of agriculture Dr. Muhsin al-'Awaji and associate professor of electrical engineering Dr. Jouad Dehlawi, were arrested. Dr. al-Awaji's arrest occurred on 8 September, and Dr. Dehlawi was arrested in April. Both are believed to be prisoners of conscience imprisoned solely for the peaceful expression of their political beliefs.

Sudan

Three unrelated alerts were issued about violations occurring in Sudan. The first, involving academic freedom, was issued when AAAS received allegations of human rights violations by the government of Sudan directed against the academic community in reprisal against public demonstrations and expressions of views contrary to government policy. Actions included the dismissal of students from the University of Khartoum, dismissal of the vice chancellor of the Sudan University for science and technology, dismissal of a number of university professors and education institute teachers for political activities, and a series of violent clashes that resulted in student deaths, woundings, arrests, and reports of torture while in police custody. The second alert was issued in July concerning an engineer, the secretary general of the Professional Union of Trade Unions, a retired engineer, and four others who were detained by government security forces because of their trade union activities and their peaceful opposition to the government. A third alert was issued regarding the arrest and disappearance of a veterinary surgeon, a nurse, and a pharmacy assistant. Their arrest and disappearance is consistent with a pattern of secret detentions and ill-treatment of prisoners that characterized the military government of Lieutenant-General Omar Hassan al-Bahir since it seized power in June 1989.

Syria

An alert issued on 8 June reported the detention without charge or trial of engineer 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Hallaq, dentist 'Ammar 'Abbud, and nine others who were arrested in 1993. It is believed that they were detained due to their association with deceased prisoner of conscience Salah Jadid.

Tadzhikistan

An alert was issued on behalf of Dr. Ayniddin Sadykov, a neurosurgeon at a Dushanbe hospital. Dr. Sadykov was abducted from a bus by armed men on 21 April 1993. Authorities deny knowledge of his whereabouts; however, it is believed that he was arrested for exercising his right to freedom of expression and association.

Tunisia

Three alerts were issued on Tunisia. One was an update to the first alert regarding Tunisia in 1994 that dealt with a number of human rights violations affecting the scientific community, including the arrest of Moncef Ben Salem, formerly associate professor of mathematics at the University of Sfax who has been twice imprisoned for his political activities and released; the arrest and imprisonment of a doctor and lawyer providing services to Moncef Ben Salem; and the denial of medical assistance and treatment to prisoners. An update on the case of the prisoners denied medical attention was issued a few days later indicating that the individuals had been given a medical examination. A third non-related alert was issued when Moncef Marzouki, a professor of public health, was arrested in March for comments he made during an interview with a Spanish newspaper. He is also the former president of the Tunisian League of Human Rights.

Turkey

Four unrelated alerts were issued on Turkey. Two of the alerts deal with members of the Health Worker's Union, but were unrelated. In April, an alert was issued when two members of the Health Worker's Union were found dead. The two men had been detained on 18 March by the Anti-Terror Branch of the Diyarbakir Police on unknown charges. In the State Security Court, the judge ordered that the men be freed, but their families waiting to receive them outside the building never saw them. In May, an alert reported that two other members of the Health Worker's Union had been detained with fourteen others during a raid of the headquarters of the magazine Toil. Reports indicated that all of the individuals had been tortured while in detention; however, there was no information regarding their charges. A third was issued about the suspected use of chemical agents and other agents of mass destruction against the civilian Kurdish population and villages. In August, a fourth alert announced the forced exile of Dr. Remzi Kartal, a dentist and Member of Parliament until the banning of his political party, the Democracy Party (DEP), in June. The court determined that DEP was a terrorist organization solely on the basis of opinions expressed by members of the party in support of the Kurdish minority.

United States

An alert issued on 2 January concerned travel restrictions imposed by the US government on scientific exchanges with Cuba. Some exceptions are granted on the bases of education, journalism, family visits, and the free flow of information and the exchange of ideas. However, these exemptions are often interpreted narrowly and granted inconsistently by the Treasury Department.

Yemen

A 16 September alert reported that 'Ali Muhammad Qassim al-Mefalhi, an engineer and president of the Engineers Trade Union in Ta'iz, was arrested by political security forces on 15 August. He has since been held in incommunicado detention at an unknown location. It is believed that he was detained solely on account of his political opinion, and that he is a prisoner of conscience.

Alerts Issued from October 1993 to December 1993

Burma (Myanmar)

The last notice of 1993 concerned two doctors and an assistant jailed for their peaceful activities in association with their membership in the National League for Democracy (NLD).

China

As part of a major international campaign on behalf of physicist Dr. Wang Juntao, the Science and Human Rights Program issued an alert describing his case. Dr. Wang was arrested in 1989 for his role in the pro-democracy movement and contracted Hepatitis B while incarcerated. As a result of the international outcry on his behalf, Dr. Wang was released from prison and allowed to travel to the Untied States for treatment. He is now residing in the United States.

Cuba

The first AAASHRAN notice issued on 27 October 1993 concerned the dismissal of more than twenty professors and researchers in Cuba because of their support of a declaration urging greater academic freedom and compliance with human rights standards. Many of the professors remain in prison to this day.

Ethiopia

The first alert regarding 42 professors dismissed from Addis Ababa University was issued in November 1993. The basis for the dismissals was the professors' joint letter of protest of the government's violent reaction towards demonstrating students. Subsequent alerts have updated the status of the professors.

Guatemala

Dr. Brenda Merida was the subject of the fourth alert issued. Dr. Merida is a doctor at a rural medical center located on land previously occupied by the local office of the Civil Patrol (Patrullas de Autodefensa Civil (PAC)). Members of the PAC are believed to have a long history of harassment of medical center employees.

Mexico

The second notice involved the dismissal of a number of professors and researchers in Mexico who were engaged in environmental monitoring projects. They lost their jobs when the government closed the centers in what appears to have been an effort to prevent disclosure and criticism of environmental policies and conditions at the time when the North American Free Trade Agreement was being considered for ratification.

Nepal

Pravakar Subedi, an engineering student from Nepal, was the subject of the third AAASHRAN notice. Subedi's family reported his disappearance following the nationwide strikes and protests in July 1993. Hundreds of individuals were arrested and 20 were shot. It is feared that Subedi was caught up in the violence. Police claim no record of his detention.

Peru

The first of several alerts written on behalf of doctors arrested in Peru for the alleged treatment of subversives was written in 1993. Despite protections under several international agreements, including the Code of Ethics of the College of Physicians of Peru, several doctors were held for long periods based solely on the accusations made by repentant subversives. Although the release of several of the doctors listed in this AAASHRAN has been reported by subsequent notices, several scientists remain in prison under similar circumstances.

Republic of Korea

Kang Ki-hun, who was arrested and convicted of assisting and masterminding student suicides in protest of government policies, was the subject of a December 1993 notice. Reports indicate that despite substantial indications that his trial was unfair, his conviction was upheld by both a High Court and the Supreme Court.

Uzbekistan

A third major case involving academic freedom was issued regarding the arrest and discharge of a number of professors and researchers in Uzbekistan for their political views, affiliations and activities (previous cases were issued regarding academic freedom in Cuba and Ethiopia). Although many were released from jail, many continued to face criminal charges and have been terminated from their jobs.

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