Erdogan Reverses Closure Order on Istanbul Bilgi University After Student Protests

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Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reversed a decision to shut down Istanbul Bilgi University, according to an official decree published in the country’s gazette.

The reversal comes after widespread protests by students and lecturers who had gathered outside the university campus demanding its reopening. The institution had been closed since Friday following an order issued by Erdogan during the academic term.

The original decision cited a law allowing private universities to be shut down if they fail to meet required education standards. However, students and staff strongly rejected the justification, arguing that the move was unfair and politically motivated.

Following the closure order, demonstrations took place outside the campus, where protesters vowed to continue their sit-in until the university was reopened.

The sudden reversal has drawn attention to ongoing tensions over academic freedom and government control in Turkey. Erdogan, who has led the country since 2003 as both prime minister and president, has faced repeated criticism from rights groups over his approach to opposition institutions and civil liberties.

Pic Credit: AFP