Two years ago today, Xiyue Wang, a graduate
student in Princeton University’s Department of History, was detained
and unjustly imprisoned in Tehran while in Iran solely for the purpose
of studying Farsi and doing scholarly research in connection with his
dissertation on 19th and early 20th century Eurasian history.
As ACE and 32 other higher education associations stated last year:
“Mr. Wang’s imprisonment can only have a chilling effect on historical
research and scholarly exchange in Iran and throughout the world, and
this, in turn, can only lead to diminished understanding and greater
mistrust, to the detriment of all.”
Even one more day is too long for Mr. Wang to
remain separated from his wife and young son. We reiterate our plea for
the prompt and safe release of Xiyue Wang and call for him to be
allowed to return home to reunite with his family and to complete his
degree.