German police have forcefully disbanded a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the courtyard of Freie Universitat Berlin, which had called for an end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Approximately 100 individuals had set up around two dozen tents on the campus, responding to a call by the “Student Coalition Berlin” to occupy German universities. Students from various Berlin universities participated in the protest, brandishing Palestinian flags and chanting slogans in support of Palestinians while condemning Israel and Germany.
The student coalition demanded the dismissal of criminal charges against students and others who had expressed solidarity with Palestinians on campuses. They also called for universities to publicly oppose proposed reforms to Berlin’s senate that could lead to the expulsion of students based on political grounds.
Additionally, they urged the banning of police presence on campus and the reinstatement of academics and staff members who had been expelled or defunded due to their political positions.
Freie Universitat Berlin stated that the protesters attempted to enter university premises, including lecture halls, with the intention of occupying them. The university filed criminal complaints and suspended lectures in several buildings in response.
Guenter Ziegler, president of Freie Universitat Berlin, remarked, “This kind of protest is not dialogue oriented. An occupation of university property is not acceptable. We welcome academic debate and dialogue – but not in this form.”
Student protests regarding the conflict and academic ties with Israel have begun to proliferate across Europe. The demonstrations aim to condemn Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza, where, according to reports, the occupying state has caused the deaths of over 35,000 Palestinians, primarily children and women.
Berlin police stated on the social media platform X that there were isolated incidents of individuals being detained for incitement to hatred and trespassing at Freie Universitat Berlin. They warned that those who failed to comply with orders would be apprehended by police and subsequently reported.