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Thousands of people took part in a tribute meeting in London after the death of former Cambridge professor Jason Arde. Supporters questioned the role of the British media and demanded an independent investigation. More than 90 thousand signatures have been received on the petition.

London: Thousands of people raised questions on the role of media in the tribute meeting organized on the death of Jason Arde, former professor of Cambridge University, Britain. Protesters alleged that Arde faced constant media pressure and criticism before his death. Now the demand for an independent investigation into his death and media coverage has intensified.

Why was the demand for investigation raised after the death of Jason Arde?

Jason Arde, 41, died last week. For several weeks before his death, there were continuous reports in the British media regarding claims about his academic work, personal life and career. During this time, allegations of plagiarism had also surfaced on his research work.

Arde created history in 2023 by becoming the youngest black professor at Cambridge University. He was a professor of sociology. However, he resigned from his post on 5 August amid controversies and investigation into his academic work.

After his death the debate between his supporters and critics has once again intensified. Supporters say that continued media pressure had made their position extremely difficult, while many also consider the need for an impartial investigation into allegations of academic honesty to be important.

Thousands of people gathered at the memorial meeting in London

A memorial service was held in Trafalgar Square, London in memory of Jason Arde. It was organized by the campaign group Stand Up to Racism. According to the organizers, several thousand people attended the meeting.

Those present at the event expressed deep sorrow over Arde’s death and criticized the attitude of the British tabloid media. Some alleged that the media repeatedly targeted Arde and reported on his personal life and professional achievements, placing him under extraordinary pressure.

A participant in the meeting said that Arde had been repeatedly targeted and described it as a kind of media campaign. Some other speakers also termed it as a very serious and disturbing development.

More than 90 thousand people signed the petition

An online petition demanding an independent investigation into media coverage of Arde following his death has received widespread support. According to the report, more than 90 thousand people have signed this petition.

The petition claims that before his death he faced continuous media pressure for about two weeks. It calls for an independent review of the way the media has presented controversies to his life and academic achievements.

However, it is unclear whether Arde’s death was directly to the media coverage. The official findings regarding the circumstances of his death and any possible cause should be considered the final basis.

Controversy started due to allegations of plagiarism

Allegations of plagiarism on the academic works of Jason Arde were first made publicly by Nathan Kofnas. Kofnas claimed that using plagiarism detection software they found alleged similarities to Arde’s research work.

After this, questions were also raised in media reports on some claims to Arde’s personal life and academic background. These included reporting on his childhood, sporting achievements and claims to the book.

Arde had denied the allegations of plagiarism. However, he admitted to some mistakes in his academic work and said that he was accountable for those mistakes, but denied that he considered himself a liar.

Cambridge also expressed concern over media coverage

Amid the controversy, Cambridge University Chancellor Lord Chris Smith expressed concern about the treatment of Arde. He said that serious investigation into allegations of academic honesty and plagiarism is necessary, but this should not be accompanied by a media campaign motivated by racial bias against an individual.

He emphasized that both theories could be considered together. Allegations of plagiarism against any academic should be rigorously and impartially investigated, but it is not appropriate to target a person on racial grounds in the name of investigation.

Arde had also said in his resignation letter that his leaving the post should not be interpreted as his acceptance of all the claims that have surfaced against him.

Questions were also raised on personal life and achievements

Apart from Arde’s academic work, several claims to his personal life were also discussed in media reports. These included claims of being unable to speak as a child, sporting achievements and book deals.

Amid public debate over these claims, his supporters questioned the way the media reported them. He alleged that the criticism over the academic controversy gradually turned into a public scrutiny of Arde’s entire personality and life.

On the other hand, critics said that when the credibility of a university professor’s academic claims and research is questioned, it is necessary to investigate them. For this reason, many issues like academic freedom, media accountability and racial bias have come under discussion simultaneously in the case.

More than 3 lakh dollars raised for the funeral

After Arde’s death, a crowdfunding campaign launched to help his family raised more than $3 lakh. The purpose of this amount is said to be to meet his funeral expenses and to support his wife and two children.

It also shows that his death has had an impact on the wider community beyond his academic and professional circles. Those attending the memorial service remembered him as an important black academic and honored his contributions.

Demand for independent investigation also raised from the government

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described Jason Arde’s death as a tragedy on every level. However, he has not yet clarified whether the government will support a formal public inquiry.

The biggest question at present is whether an independent investigation will be conducted into Arde’s death and the media coverage that preceded it. Amid growing demand from supporters in the case, investigation may clarify whether journalistic standards were followed during media reporting or not.

Additionally, it will be important in any investigation that there be an independent and impartial review of allegations of plagiarism and academic claims. The death of Jason Ardey has sparked a fierce debate in Britain over academic accountability, media boundaries and racial bias.