- Jason Arday, a former Cambridge professor, resigned amid allegations of plagiarism.
- Arday was found dead just a week after his resignation.
- The UAE said on Thursday that Iran attacked two of its vessels as they transited the Strait of Hormuz, calling the attacks fla...g violations and unprovoked attacks.
- The two vessels were affiliated with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), a state-owned energy company and one of the largest oil producers in the world.
- The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attacks as acts of piracy by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), citing U.N. Security Council Resolution 2817.
- The ministry emphasized that targeting commercial shipping and using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of economic coercion or blackmail constitutes piracy and a direct threat to regional stability and global energy security.
- UAE officials urged Iran to commit to the complete and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and called for the immediate cessation of all hostilities.
- ADNOC said early Saturday that one of its vessels was attacked while crossing the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening, with no casualties and the situation brought under control.
- ADNOC stressed the importance of protecting seafarers, ensuring freedom of navigation, and maritime security.
- Several countries condemned the attack: Qatar called it a severe violation of international law and UN Security Council resolution 2817; Kuwait expressed full solidarity with the UAE; Egypt said it threatens maritime navigation in a vital waterway; and Bahrain urged the U.N. Security Council to take firm measures against Iran.
Jason Arday, 41, the youngest Black professor at Cambridge, was found dead at his home on Friday, a week after resigning amid plagiarism allegations.1
London's Metropolitan Police reported the death as unexpected but not suspicious. University Vice-Chancellor Deborah Prentice expressed deep sadness, stating, "Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
Arday's family described him as a gentle man who sought the best in everyone, condemning critics who aimed to undermine him. He faced relentless scrutiny and ridicule over his qualifications, particularly after a Times of London analysis highlighted similarities between his Ph.D. thesis and another researcher's work.
Simon Baron-Cohen, director of Cambridge's Autism Research Centre, noted that Arday felt he couldn't cope with the loss of his career and reputation. He believed there was a systemic effort to discredit Black academics through plagiarism accusations. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called the incident a tragedy, urging reflection rather than judgment.
In a separate incident, the UAE accused Iran of attacking two ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, labeling the actions as piracy. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attacks, emphasizing that they threaten regional stability and global energy security. Qatar and Kuwait expressed solidarity with the UAE, while Bahrain called for U.N. intervention to ensure maritime safety.
“Arday's death comes amid ongoing fallout from plagiarism allegations that led to his resignation. Separately, the UAE condemned Iran's attacks on its vessels as piracy, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2817, with Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, and Bahrain voicing support.”
