On Thursday, the Amsterdam police ended an occupation of a building at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) campus by pro-Palestinian student activists, as stated by the police. This came following a week during which students rallied and demonstrated on campus, an affair resulting in the intervention of the riot police.
The primary objective of these demonstrations was to express disagreement with the decision made by the university to participate in European research projects that involve Israeli researchers or organizations. The decision by the university heavily criticized by the group mainly consisted of teachers and students. Although UvA denied contributing to any Israeli military attacks, the activists continued their disapproval of the university’s involvement and criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the treatment of its students. Student activists could be seen displaying banners with slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Shame on UvA”.
On Wednesday, the situation escalated when riot police dismantled barricades set up in the Binnengasthuis and faced off against approximately a thousand demonstrators the following day. The decision to intervene was claimed to be necessary by the police to prevent any escalation and maintain peace and order. Following these events, three protestors were arrested on suspicion of incitement and insult, after which the demonstration peacefully concluded with a march.
Amidst the surging activities, the university made an announcement on Wednesday stating the closure of all its buildings at least until Monday, succeeding the arrest of 36 individuals at the UvA campus during the protests. The date when they will be able to reopen remains uncertain at this time.
According to the original coverage by JURIST – News.