GLOBAL: Academic freedom rumor worldwide

In Iran the former rector of the University Mohammad Maluku, accused of being an "enemy of God", has accused the court hearing the case to be illegal and theological scholar Ahmad Gabble has been returned to prison to fulfill a sentence of 20 months. In Tajikistan, the authorities have opened criminal cases against 22 students who have returned from abroad, apparently to deter them from getting in contact with Islamic extremist groups. American academic who wrote a book about Xinjiang region of China and the authorities were banned from entering China, have expressed dismay at the lack of support from their universities. And in Burkina Faso, three police officers have been jailed for their involvement in the death of a student.

IRAN: 'Enemy of God' academic court declares illegal

Mohammad Malachi, the former rector of the University of Tehran has been accused as an "enemy of God", accused the court hearing his case - part of Tehran's Revolutionary Court - to be illegal, Radio Free Europe reported on August 4.

Maluku, the first chancellor appointed by the University of Tehran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and democracy activist, was summoned in late July before the Revolutionary Court.

He is accused of being an "enemy of God" and a threat to the Islamic system of Iran because of its alleged links with Mujahedin-e Kahlo Organization (MKO), an opposition party in exile . It is also accused of insulting both Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Kamenev, and acting against national security. He faces the death penalty.

In a letter to the judge Moghiseh Section 28 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran, Maluku explained his decision not to appear before the court. He said he believes the court and their sentences illegal. After pressure from the judge, who rejected its justification Maluku appeared before the court on July 30 only reiterated his opinion regarding the illegality of the court.

Maluku (78) was one of the older activists arrested following the contested 2009 presidential election. He was detained for 191 days, including three months in solitary confinement before being released on bail in March 2010.

Strongly rejects all charges against him, particularly any involvement with the MKO or any other group. Also denied "insulting" the supreme leader, preferring the term "criticism" and said that the charges of violating national security are comical.

Maluku is suffering from health problems and has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and heart disease.