International: Academic freedom gossip worldwide

After weeks of violence in Burkina Faso, where at least six students were killed, the government closed all universities until further notice. The army Yemini 98 students injured while trying to stop protests on campuses. In Sudan, 100 students and youth have been arrested since January, and many have reported severe abuse and torture. An Iranian history teacher has been fired after publishing critical articles, and the Ministry of Education has announced new restrictions on Iranian students abroad. In Malawi, teachers on strike against interference in academic freedom have defied a presidential order to return to work.

BURKINA FASO: Universities closed after student protests

After weeks of violence and a demonstration, the government closed all universities across Burkina Faso until further notice, the Washington Post reported March 14.

At least six students have died in clashes with police in the last month. We have also reported damage to public offices in the northern city of Ouahigouya and cuts to social services for students.

The government closed the university in response to student protests related to the death of Justin Bongo, a student who died on February 20 while in police custody in Koudougou, west of the capital Ouagadougou.

Students marched in several cities, accusing the police of hitting Congo’s death, although the official version indicates that the cause of death as meningitis. The students also demanded the resignation of the ministers of health, security and justice.

In an attempt to appease the students, the authorities released the police chief, governor and two policemen accused of beating student.

In an official statement, President Blasé Compare asked for calm and condemned the violence.

More information here.

YEMEN: Ninety-eight students injured by the army

The Yemeni army wounded 98 students in an attempt to stop the protests taking place on college campuses, The Guardian reported on March 9, 2011.

The army violently attacked students who were camped at campus from mid-February to protest against President Ali Abdullah Sale. Inspired by the recent popular unrest in Tunisia and Egypt, students at the University of Sana'a demanding the president resign.

The government's attempt to control and stop the protests ended with a violent confrontation between the army and students.