Istanbul's students protest against Erdogan-appointed university rector

 | Updated: Jan 11, 2021, 08:42 PM IST

Istanbul University's students and teachers hold posters of Bogazici University rector Mesut Balu (L) and Istanbul University rector Mahmut Ak.

Students and teachers took to streets to protest against appointment of a rector at a top Turkish university by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Students and teachers took to streets to protest against appointment of a rector at a top Turkish university by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Protetsors claim it is a politically motivated move.

 

(Photograph:AFP)

Turkish police on Tuesday detained 17 people after hundreds of students attended the protest to raise their voice against the 'undemocratic' appointment of Bogazici University rector Mesut Balu.

Turkish police on Tuesday detained 17 people after hundreds of students attended the protest to raise their voice against the 'undemocratic' appointment of Bogazici University rector Mesut Balu.

(Photograph:AFP)

Protestors held several placards with messages such as 'Fight for free and democratic universities', 'Electing our rector is our right', 'Pressures cannot daunt us' and more.

Protestors held several placards with messages such as 'Fight for free and democratic universities', 'Electing our rector is our right', 'Pressures cannot daunt us' and more.

(Photograph:AFP)

Faculty members gathered on campus later on Tuesday during the swearing-in of Bulu, who has a doctorate in business management and turned their backs on the rector's building.

Faculty members gathered on campus later on Tuesday during the swearing-in of Bulu, who has a doctorate in business management and turned their backs on the rector's building.

(Photograph:AFP)
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The protestors have alleged Erdogan of assuming the power to directly appoint university rectors after surviving a failed 2016 coup, and it is not the first time his choice for Bogazici has caused controversy.

The protestors have alleged Erdogan of assuming the power to directly appoint university rectors after surviving a failed 2016 coup, and it is not the first time his choice for Bogazici has caused controversy.

(Photograph:AFP)