The protesters that have been staging a sit-in at Ghent University’s UFO Building are staying put despite an order to vacate the building by noon today (Wednesday 5 June). A bailiff has visited the UFO Building to officially note that the protesters are still there. The visit of a bailiff is necessary before any forced removal of the protesters can be authorised. The around 50 pro-Palestinian demonstrators intend to continue their sit-in as they say that they expect more from the university.
Protesters remain in building at Ghent University beyond deadline, university sends bailiff
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At noon on Wednesday a bailiff entered the UFO Building to find that about 50 students were still staying there. The sit-in at the building has been going on for a month. The protesters have erected tents and they have installed both a study area and a dining area. The university had given the activists until noon to leave voluntarily. However, they have not complied with this demand.
The bailiff will now pass on his findings to Ghent University’s lawyer. The lawyer will ask a court for an eviction order to be served. If necessary, the police will be deployed to ensure that the protesters are removed. When exactly this will be done is still unclear. A lot is still unclear about a timing.
"More radical action"
“We understand that there is now less understanding among the public, because it seems like we are never satisfied” one activist told VRT News.
“I don't want to go down in the history books as being someone that did too little while genocide is taking place in Gaza. More radical action is needed”.
“‘Ghent University is selling its recent change of policy as being a compromise. However, it came only on the advice of its own advisory body. Meanwhile, other steps taken by the university, including those on climate change, do not go far enough. We have talked about this and have to continue our protest even if is difficult for the public to understand why”, the protesters' spokesman told VRT News.