Targeting of academics in Hungary condemned

Academic organisations and human rights campaigners have strongly criticised a Hungarian magazine for printing the names of more than 200 people, including academics, as part of its criticism of the businessman George Soros.

Figyelo’s naming of academics working at the Central European University, which was founded by Soros, alongside the staff of non-governmental organisations this month has been described as an act of intimidation by the European University Association.

“This is a direct attack on academic freedom, a fundamental principle of higher education that we as Europeans must share and protect,” Lesley Wilson, EUA’s secretary general said on 17 April. “We cannot allow university staff to teach and conduct research in an atmosphere of intimidation and oppression from political groups or governments. This is simply unacceptable.”