An empty chair at the University of Oslo's Human Rights Award 2017

Uniforum 08.11.2017

This year's award goes to Professor Ishtar Gözaydin - Turkish academic, social commentator and human rights defender. We had sincere hopes that Professor Gözaydin would be present in Oslo on November 13 to accept the award.

It is with regret and concern we have learned that Professor Gözaydin not will be allowed to leave Turkey to accept the award.

MUST STAY AT HOME: This year's Human Rights Award goes to Professor Isthar Gözaydin from Turkey. She will not be allowed to leave Turkey to accept the award Monday, November 13th.

Photo: Ola Sæther

In 1993 Ishtar Gözaydin founded the Turkish Helsinki Citizens' Assembly together with well-known intellectuals such as Murat Belge and Orhan Pamuk. This politically independent organization works for peace, democratization, political pluralism, rule of law and sustainable development.

She has written articles and books where she focuses on the relationship between religion and politics in Turkey. Professor Gözaydin was arrested in her home on

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