GLOBAL: Academic freedom reports wide-reaching

Jin Xidex senior Chinese researcher has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for allegedly leaking information to foreign intelligence agencies about the health of North Korean leader. In Turkmenistan, the government has imposed restrictions on university students, without giving any explanation. Malaysia academic Ahmad Faze Abdul Humid and two men were acquitted of possession of banned religious books, and 119 Saudi academics and activists have called for far-reaching reforms. Belarus teacher and a student remain in prison for participating in mass protests after disputed presidential elections in December.

China Academic jailed for leaking the health of Kim Jong-Il

Xidex Jin, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Institute of Japanese Studies, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for allegedly leaking information to intelligence agencies from South Korea and Japan for the health of Kim Jong-Il, leader of North Korea, Chosen Ibo reported on 28 February.

Xidex was arrested in early 2009, after speaking about the deteriorating health of Kim Jong-Il and his being sent to China for medical treatment. He was formally accused of espionage in favor of intelligence agencies from South Korea and Japan, and accepting a bribe from them.

Xidex strongly denied the accusations and stated that its activities, including statements about contacts and agencies, and South Korean and Japanese media were only linked to his work as an academic researcher and deputy director of the Institute of 'Japanese Studies.

As a specialist in international relations Xidex, which is the Chinese fund Korea, was prized commentator on nuclear issues of North Korea and relations between China and Japan informed the Korean Times.


Turkmenistan: Increased restriction of university teachers and students

Turkmen authorities have increased their control over teachers and students of secondary schools and universities, Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty reported on 26 February 2011.

New restrictions include the hours of work for school teachers, from 0800-1400, despite their class hours. We asked students not to leave school before 1800. People living on campus are forced to lie in 2300, without permission to study after that time.

Turkmen college and university students already face a number of restrictions, including a ban on appearing in foreign media, driving a car, leave the country or smoking or use of cell phones on college campuses.

The government gave no explanation of the new restrictions.

Radio Free Europe suggested measures could be seen as a response to political protests-year in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.