Libyan Professor at Risk

A university professor’s life is at risk, following his investigation of the issuance of fake diplomas in Libyan universities, University World News reported on 15 August 2010.

Rasheed Mohammad Omar El-Meheesy was sent to prison on 19 May 2010 following allegations of sexual harassment from his students. It is believed that the allegations were intended to take revenge following his relevation of the circulation of fake diplomas in Libyan universities. He was released on 21 June, but awaits his final trial on 20 September.

Mr. El- Meheeshy, professor of Law in Misurata University in Zilten City, was chosen as the head of a committee investigating the issuance of fake diplomas among Libyan universities. This came after he was assigned to review grades and diplomas at the Misurata University and stumbling across a group circulating fake diplomas. The committee found 150 fake bachelor degrees, with 22 universities involved in the distribution of fake diplomas, according to the newspaper OEA Libya. Mr. El-Meheeshy expelled the students involved and 11 faculty members were fired.

Following this revelation, several expelled students accused Mr El- Meheeshy of sexual harassment. Mr. El-Meheeshy was subsequently interrogated and placed jail on 19 May. Shortly after, he suffered a stroke, yet was not taken into hospital until he lost consciousness.

While hospitalised, Mr. El- Meheeshy was under police surveillance and handcuffed to the bed, while groups of students protested against his hospitalisation outside. Furthermore, according to OEA Libya, on 1 June one of the students withdrew the claim that she was harassed and another stated that the claim was made under the coercion of fellow students.

He was released on June 21st but awaits a final trial on the 20 the September.

Recommended action:

Please send appeals to arrive as quickly as possible, in Arabic, English or your own language:
1. Respectfully urging the authorities to ensure the well-being and security of Mr. El-Meheeshy, the immediate and regular access to legal counsel, and to any necessary medical treatment
2. Reminding the authorities of their obligations to ensure a free and fair trial under international law
3. Calling on the Libyan Judiciary and Government to investigate and address the issuance of fake degrees in Libyan Universities.

Appeals to:

His Excellency Mu’ammar al-Gaddafi
Leader of the Revolution,
Office of the Leader of the Revolution, Tripoli
Great Socialist’s People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Telegrams:
Colonel al-Gaddafi,
Tripoli,
Libya

His Excellency Muhammad Misrati
Secretary of the People’s Committee for Justice and General Security,
Secretariat of the People’s Committee for Justice and General Security, Tripoli, Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Telegrams:
Muhammad Misrati,
Tripoli,
Libya


Please send copies of your appeal to:

Diplomatic Representatives of Libya to your country
In the UK:
His Excellency Mr Mohamed Abu al Qassim Azwai,
Libyan People’s Bureau, 61-62,
Ennismore Gardens,
London Sw7 1NH.
Fax: 020 7589 6087

Alert - Libya

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