Ghent University has formally asked the group of pro-Palestinian activists who have occupied Campus Coupure for over two weeks to leave the building. This follows the breakdown of talks. Ghent University states that there are security issues and that teaching activities are being disrupted. The activists have until tomorrow to leave.
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Ghent University demands an end to pro-Palestinian occupation: ‘There has been vandalism, theft and burglary’
Colin Clapson
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‘The university has failed to reach agreement with the activists in recent days. The path towards a safe and constructive dialogue has been closed for the time being,’ Ghent University states in a brief announcement. ‘The occupation is impacting various aspects of university life on the Campus.’
In the announcement, Ghent University states that the agreements made are not being honoured. The university refers to criminal offences and serious incidents that are alleged to have taken place. ‘These include vandalism, burglary, theft and unlawful access to Ghent University’s infrastructure,’ the university explains. The university refers to access to a roof to hang a flag and intrusion into an auditorium.
‘We don’t know what agreements Ghent University is referring to; we haven’t been given any explanation,’ says Youlian Burnham, spokesperson for the protesters. ‘We note that, whilst the genocide is still in full swing, Ghent University would rather spend its energy on all sorts of arguments to get us out of here than on ending its collaborations with the Israeli authorities and Israeli organisations.’
The activists now have until 10 am tomorrow to leave the buildings. At the start of the occupation, bailiffs were already on site to record what was happening. If the students do not leave voluntarily, Ghent University can, in principle, have them evicted by a judge. A similar pro-Palestinian action at the University of Antwerp ended last weekend.
‘Ghent University is shying away from public dialogue’
‘We deeply regret the fact that Ghent University is now acting as if we do not want to talk. Our proposal was to engage in a public dialogue, with the press present as well. That was not a problem for previous rectors. Many people are involved. They too have a right to information. UGent only wanted to receive a delegation. We will soon decide, as always, together what to do about the occupation,' says Burnham.
The occupation began on 22 April. The protesters are demanding a full academic boycott. This means that there can be no further collaboration with Israeli companies, governments or organisations. Ghent University is refusing to meet this demand. There has been no response from the protesters as yet. Two years ago, there was a similar occupation, which ended following a court order.
‘The fight for an academic boycott continues, either here or elsewhere. That much is already certain. We will not give up and will continue to highlight Ghent University’s complicity in what is happening in Gaza.’