The students of Independent University stopped the long-lasting hunger strike for a while. This protest action is temporarily suspended for a big pressure of national and international community because of the sharp deterioration of students’ health state. The court on the case still continues. (21-DEC-06)

Written by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Baku on the basis of information received from Turan IA, Yeni Musavat newspaper, Institute for Reporter Freedom and Safety; photo by Yeni Musavat newspaper.

When the university was deprived of a license, a part of the students were transferred to other Universities. But the Ministry of Education refused to transfer a part of the second-year students. The argument is the allegedly, i.e. not through the State Commission for Students’ Admission.

Current situation
During 2006 a large group of students of this University held a series of strikes with the demand to restore their education rights. The students suit against the Ministry of Education, which is still tried. Despite of the several meetings with the Ministry of Education, no concrete answers were given to students. The trial is delayed several times.

Future plans
Although the hunger strike is a big blow to the health of students and about 15 students were hospitalized at different times of strike, the students intend to continue their struggle and re-start the protest action, if the court decision is not in their favor.

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