Cambridge University Under Fire: Families of Imprisoned Scholars Appeal to Halt Proposed Saudi Partnership

The prestigious University of Cambridge is facing intense scrutiny as the families of two Islamic scholars currently facing the death penalty in Saudi Arabia have issued an urgent appeal to the institution. The families are calling on university leadership to abandon a proposed partnership with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence, arguing that such a deal would compromise academic freedom and provide a veneer of legitimacy to a repressive regime.

The controversy stems from a proposal by Cambridge’s Judge Business School to establish a “memorandum of understanding” (MoU) with the Saudi defence ministry. The proposed agreement aims to develop executive education courses, specifically focusing on “leadership development” and “innovation management” for the ministry’s staff.

An Appeal to University Leadership

In a joint letter, Abobaker Almalki and Abdullah al-Odah—the sons of the two scholars in question—addressed Chris Smith, Cambridge’s chancellor, and Prof Deborah Prentice, the vice-chancellor. The letter highlights the stark contrast between the values of higher education and the current political climate in Saudi Arabia.

“We feel compelled to reach out as families who have spent years watching our loved ones suffer for exercising the very freedoms that the university stands to protect.”

The families argue that a partnership of this magnitude risks validating the narrative of reform promoted by the Saudi leadership, despite what they describe as ongoing human rights abuses. The letter notes that Saudi authorities executed at least 356 people last year, marking a significant period in the Kingdom’s modern history.

The Scholars at the Center of the Crisis

The appeal is deeply personal, centered on the plight of two prominent figures who have been prosecuted for nearly a decade:

• Hassan Farhan al-Maliki: A religious reformer and commentator who has been imprisoned since 2017. He faces charges including possessing banned books and conducting interviews with overseas media.
• Salman al-Odah: An Islamic scholar arrested in 2017. His prosecution is reportedly based on social media posts, with allegations that he “mocked the government’s achievements.”

International human rights organizations have noted that the Saudi public prosecutor has sought the death penalty for both men based on what they describe as a “range of vaguely formulated charges.”

Academic Freedom vs. Institutional Revenue

The debate has ignited a fierce discussion regarding the ethics of university-government partnerships. While the Judge Business School has clarified that it has not yet signed a formal MoU, documents indicate that the school received permission from the university’s committee on benefactions and external and legal affairs to seek the agreement in January. Prof Deborah Prentice serves as the chair of this committee.

Critics argue that even the pursuit of such a deal threatens the foundational principles of higher education. Jemimah Steinfeld, the chief executive of Index on Censorship, described the proposal as “repugnant,” warning that the potential for financial gain often leads to institutional self-censorship.

Jeed Basyouni of the human rights organization Reprieve echoed these concerns, stating that a deal with the Saudi ministry would “make a mockery of the values that institutors like Cambridge claim to represent.”

Key Takeaways

• The Conflict: Cambridge’s Judge Business School is seeking a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence for executive training.
• The Human Cost: Families of scholars Hassan Farhan al-Maliki and Salman al-Odah are appealing to Cambridge to halt the deal, citing their ongoing imprisonment and the threat of the death penalty.
• The Ethical Dilemma: Critics warn that the partnership could legitimize human rights abuses and encourage self-censorship within academic institutions.
• The University’s Stance: While permission was granted to seek the MoU, the business school maintains that no formal agreement has been signed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nature of the proposed deal?

The Judge Business School at Cambridge University is seeking to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence to provide “leadership development” and “innovation management” training for its staff.

Why are the families of the scholars protesting?

The families argue that the partnership provides legitimacy to a regime that is actively prosecuting scholars for their beliefs and freedom of expression. They contend that the university should prioritize the protection of academic freedom over potential partnerships.

Has Cambridge University signed the agreement?

No. A spokesperson for the university indicated that the Judge Business School has not signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Defence, though the university’s committee has authorized the school to seek one.