British university to revoke Mugabe degree

EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 7 (UPI) -- Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe will soon be stripped of an honorary degree from a British university.

The University of Edinburgh said Thursday it has begun a formal process to withdraw the degree that was awarded to the African leader in 1984 for his service to education in Africa.

Since then, however, "the university had been acutely aware of ongoing developments in Zimbabwe and of recent representations made by the Edinburgh University Students' Association with regard to Robert Mugabe's honorary degree," the Scottish school said.

The university added that given the brutal nature of Mugabe's regime since, it will take the unprecedented decision to revoke the degree. Mugabe will, however, be contacted in writing by the school and given the opportunity to respond before any further steps are taken.