German ministry of education draws up lists of pro-Palestinian academics

The German Ministry of Education has drawn up lists of professors who don't toe the government line on Gaza in a bid to deprive them of future funding in academia, a move that is likely to stifle academic freedom.

The revelations were made by the German broadcaster Das Erste on Monday and included controversial details, including resistance from some academics reticent about informing on their colleagues.

One of the emails from an academic warns the Ministry of Education: "I do not want to hide from you that it caused great unease among colleagues to mark names on lists. In my view, this statement is absolutely covered by the right to freedom of expression."

"If you still want to have the list sent to you, then of course I will do that," said the academic in reference to pro-Palestinian statements made by some academics.

In response to the concerns expressed, the ministry replied: "Good moning. I find this attitude very difficult, to put it mildly. I ask you to follow our wishes."