Academic freedom at Palestinian universities : a human rights report

Abstract

Bassem Eid traces the history of Palestinian Universities over three periods - the Israeli occupation early 1970s until the Intifada, the Intifada and its aftermath and the current era. The author examines the serious problems and restrictions faced by University students and intellectuals. He denounces a series of human rights violations particularly the rights of freedom of expression and association. Such violations include deportations, violence against students, arrests and detentions without formal charges and unfair dismissal of professors who spoke their minds. These human rights violations are not solely a result of Israeli oppression but also a result of the interference of the Palestinian Authority. The author probes into the University Security Administration and the presence of undercover agents within the universities, who monitor and report the activities of individuals, are associated with the Islamic bloc or who criticise the Palestinian Authority.