Oxford defends crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrators

Oxford University doubled down on its crackdown on pro-Palestinian demonstrators, accusing students of using “direct action tactics” that required a police response.

In a letter sent to students and staff on Thursday, the university accused student protestors of making “inaccurate statements and claims” about the institution, and “forcibly overpowering” the receptionist at a section of the university offices in Wellington Square.

According to Oxford Action for Palestine, students launched a peaceful sit-in on Thursday morning in the office building to demand that the university administration - which has yet to negotiate - meet with the protesters.

The group said in a statement that instead of engaging in dialogue, the university's vice chancellor placed the building under lockdown and called the police.

Over a dozen students were arrested.