PRESS RELEASE: A new academic year without Alex

Dear friends, colleagues, and supporters of Alex Sodiqov, As the new academic year begins, we are saddened to report that Alex Sodiqov remains under investigation and unable to leave Tajikistan to return to his academic life and duties in Canada. The Free Alex Sodiqov campaign has released the following press release and we urge you to share it with your networks. We hope that together we can ensure Alex's safe return to Canada. Warm regards, The Coordinating Group of the Campaign 'Free Alex Sodiqov!' RESS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 2, 2014 ALEX SODIQOV FORBIDDEN FROM LEAVING TAJIKISTAN BACKGROUND University of Toronto PhD student Alex Sodiqov was detained on 16 July 2014 by state security forces while conducting academic research in Khorog, Tajikistan, under a contract with the University of Exeter. After a month in prison, he was released on bail, but the conditions of his release are highly restrictive: he is forbidden from leaving Tajikistan, he is forbidden contact with anyone abroad, and he is at great risk of being rearrested and formally charged with treason. He continues to be under strict surveillance. NO END IN SIGHT Today, Alex is in a legal and professional limbo. On 18 August, the formal investigation period ended but without resolution, and Tajik authorities extended the investigation period without specifying an end-date. There is now no end in sight. A NEW ACADEMIC YEAR WITHOUT ALEX On Monday, September 8, courses resume at the University of Toronto. Alex is a teaching assistant for nearly 100 students in a first-year course. Alex is also expected to be preparing for comprehensive examinations and writing a PhD dissertation proposal. Alex’s absence deeply resonates with U of T students, as seen in this tribute: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqpnTLwGpp8. With a new academic year less than a week away, the Free Alex Sodiqov Campaign fears for Alex’s safety, and also for how his absence will affect U of T students, broader communities of scholars, and the prospects for academic freedom. More information: www.freealexsodiqov.org Media inquiries: Edward Schatz, ed.schatz@utoronto.ca