Cleaning of an occupied lecture hall at the Free University of Berlin: Police intervenes

Cleaning of an occupied lecture hall at the Free University of Berlin: Police intervenes

lecture hall clearance at the FU Berlin according to Pro-Palestine protest

Yesterday evening, an lecture hall from the Free University of Berlin (FU) was cleared by the police after being occupied by pro-Palestinian activists. The evacuation that was carried out at the request of the house management was free of violence.

The occupation and its consequences

in the lecture hall 1a in the "rust and silver arbor", about 30 people had gathered in the late afternoon in order to make incompatible claims. Among other things, they called for the immediate withdrawal of criminal charges and the demolition of the collaboration of the university with universities in Israel. The university management promised talks, but insisted that the occupiers voluntarily leave the lecture hall. When they refused, the authorities were asked for help. The police were able to complete the evacuation at 9:45 p.m., with a total of 27 people being displayed. During the protest, property damage occurred.

The ProtestCamp and its purpose

The ProtestCamp, which was initiated by student groups of the Palestine Committee on June 20, was aimed at creating a room for discussions on the genocide in Gaza and repression against student protests. After 19 days, the students ended their camp because the university management had not reacted to their demands for a "free university and a free Palestine". A public conversation, which was requested by the protesters, was not offered by the university.

The actions at FU Berlin show the importance of political protests on the university site and the relevance of public discussions about international affairs. It remains to be seen how the university and its students will deal with such controversy in the future.

- Nag