UN rapporteur criticises London School of Economics for 'measures' against pro-Gaza students
The UN special rapporteur on peaceful assembly has criticised the London School of Economics (LSE) for measures taken against seven pro-Palestine activists who took part in a protest action at the institution in July.
Gina Romero has written to the LSE and called on the prestigious school to reconsider its decision to open an investigation into the students.
“I am concerned about information I received regarding stigmatisation and reprisals that some students of the London School of Economics are facing for their participation in peaceful protests questioning university’s investments," Romero said, referring to LSE's investments in companies linked to Israel's ongoing war on Gaza.
The seven students had taken part in a 7 July protest on LSE premises, calling on the institution to cut its ties with Israel.
LSE accused the students of causing distress to several members of staff, as well as security guards.
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It claimed that, as the protest happened on the anniversary of the 7 July bombing attacks on London in 2005, staff had felt a "heightened" risk of "physical attack".
Emily, a participant in the protest, who was quoted by the Guardian, said LSE's claims were "racist and Islamophobic".
“It was said that people were running away. But we’ve been given CCTV evidence from the day that shows that no one ran away," The 24-year-old postgraduate student said.
In September, British prosecutors dropped charges against two students accused of assaulting emergency workers during an encampment for Palestine at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).
The students were arrested in July following a confrontation on campus between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine activists.
British universities stand accused of repressing pro-Palestine activism on their campuses, as their students demand the breaking of ties and investments with companies involved in supplying the Israeli army.
A number of universities across the UK, Europe and the US have experienced student sit-ins, as well as disruptions to graduation ceremonies and other events on campus.
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