TOKYO —

A group of Japanese academics who had planned for a lecture by Italian Marxist political philosopher Antonio Negri issued a joint statement Monday in protest of Japan’s ‘‘effective refusal of entry’’ and criticized the act as a violation of freedom of thought.

‘‘While we were told in consultations with the Foreign Ministry in advance that there was no need for Negri to apply for a visa, we were suddenly requested to do so three days before he was scheduled to enter Japan,’’ said Yoshihiko Ichida, a Kobe University professor who was involved in arranging Negri’s visit. The trip by Negri, considered by many to be a symbol of anti-globalism, has been canceled as a result of the difficulties in obtaining the entry visa, the organizers said.

‘‘We were deprived of the opportunities to philosophical, academic and cultural exchanges that transcend borders and the freedom of movement, as well as freedom of belief, thought and academic knowledge of all persons involved was violated,’’ the statement said.

1 Comments

• 

  semperfi at 09:31 AM JST - 25th March

  - Well, negri has a bit of a colorful past . . .that kind of sets him apart from others in Academia . . . .

  He was jailed for plotting to overthrow the govenrnment in Italy and being part of the assassination attempt on the President there in the 70's . . .

  .

  He was also linked with the Red Brigade although that was never conclusively proven.

  .

  Justifiable reasons for Japan Govt to close the doors on him IMO

  .

  The same response was given to Canadain writer Farley Mowat ( Never Cry Wolf) - they wouldn't let him in because of his Marxist sympathies . . .

  All of our freedoms -even the freedom of speech - are qualified in some way . .

  :)

Register or login to add a comment!