UN rapporteur criticizes London School of Economics for ‘measures’ against pro-Gaza students

The UN Special Rapporteur on peaceful assemblies has criticized the London School of Economics (LSE) for its actions against seven pro-Palestinian activists who took part in a protest outside the school in July.

Gina Romero has written to the London School of Economics and called on the prestigious school to reconsider its decision to launch an investigation into the students.

“I am concerned by information I have received about the stigma and reprisal faced by some LSE students for participating in peaceful protests that question the university’s investments,” Romero said, referring to LSE’s investments in companies linked to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza Strip. .

Seven students took part in a protest on July 7 at the premises of the London School of Economics, calling on the university to sever ties with Israel.

LSE accused the students of harassing several staff members as well as security guards.

It claimed that because the protest took place on the anniversary of the 7 July 2005 London bombings, staff felt there was an “increased” risk of “physical attack”.

Emily, a protester quoted by the Guardian, called LSE’s statements “racist and Islamophobic”.

“They said people were running away. But we were provided with CCTV footage from that day which shows that no one ran away,” said the 24-year-old graduate student.

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In September, British prosecutors dropped charges against two students accused of assaulting emergency workers during a camp for Palestine at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS).

The students were arrested in July after a clash on campus between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian activists.

British universities have been accused of suppressing pro-Palestinian activity on their campuses as their students demand severing ties and investments with companies involved in supplying the Israeli army.

A number of universities in the UK, Europe and the US have seen student sit-ins, as well as disruptions to graduation ceremonies and other events on campus.