The Legacy of a Citizen Scientist
An International Legacy
The Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland 21218
17 March 1988
Your Excellency:
I am writing to you in connection with the situation of Dr. Nihat Sargin, a surgeon and chest specialist who, I gather, has been convicted to a 36-year sentence in prison. I was particularly impressed with the fact that Amnesty International has declared Dr. Sargin a "prisoner of conscience," and I gather that the evidence of torture, including electric shocks and hanging have been discounted by the prosecutor in charge of his case. I would like to urge you to consider the release of Dr. Sargin on the grounds that he is in prison solely for the non-violent expression of his political beliefs. I hope that you will be able to use the power of your office to help insure the release of this useful and important member of your society.
Sincerely yours,
[Signatures]
Christian B. Anfinsen
Professor of Biology
(Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 1972)
cc: Turkish Medical Association
U.S. Department of State
Ambassador Dr. Sukru Elekdag