Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - A group of students from Al Zaytoonah University of Jordan in Amman on Tuesday sent a letter to King Abdullah II pleading him to put an end to the interference of the security apparatus in student affairs.

"The independence and autonomy of universities and ensuring its academic, intellectual and creative freedoms is essential," the statement said.

It added the need to respect students' intellect and enhance an academic environment for constructive criticism and honest competition.

The students called on King Abdullah and the Minister of Higher Education to stop interference in student affairs and student elections, which they claim is an obstacle to academic freedoms.

"We call for putting an end to arresting and apprehending students, harassing them inside campuses, which constitutes a grave violations of democratic standards, political openness, and true desire for development and reform."

The letter noted that eight students from Zaytoonah Private University were arrested on December 12th, 2011 and sent to Al Juweideh detention center after a fight inside campus.

"This contradicts the will of King Abdullah to lift the security grip off university students," the letter added, noting that the university administration ignores implementation of the King's directives.