Two universities authorized to remove Gaza protest camps
A recent High Court ruling determined that the eviction of protesters from two university campuses does not violate their human rights.
The University of Nottingham and the University of Birmingham in the UK have been authorized to clear portions of their campuses where students have been demonstrating in pro-Palestinian protest encampments for several weeks.
The High Court’s decision on Wednesday granted possession orders to both universities, permitting them to remove the protesters who established tent sites on the campuses in May.
The protesters have raised concerns about their right to freedom of speech and assembly being compromised by this eviction. Nevertheless, Mr. Justice Johnson stated in the court rulings that the protesters lack a solid basis for demonstrating that the universities are acting against their obligations or that the eviction would violate their human rights.
The summary possession orders issued by the court mean that if the protesters refuse to vacate the premises, bailiffs can forcibly remove them. This ruling essentially favors the universities without the need for a full trial.
The possession orders affect the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, where around 15 tents were set up, and the University of Birmingham’s “Green Heart” outdoor area.
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In June, the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus harbored over 80 tents. Other affected sites include their Exchange building in the city center and the Selly Oak campus.
Protesters
Most of the protesters have not been identified by the universities, with only two students named in both cases.
The known defendant in the Birmingham case is a 20-year-old British-Pakistani student named Mariyah Ali. In the second case, a 24-year-old former student of Nottingham University, River Butterworth, is the identified defendant.
These two protesters argue that the legal action taken against them is a form of censorship and infringes on their rights to free speech and protest.
The protesters’ encampments were part of a series of demonstrations in solidarity with those in Gaza and in support of similar protests worldwide, including in North America.
In April, a student society sent a letter to the University of Birmingham’s vice-chancellor outlining several demands.
The universities argue that the ongoing encampments disrupt the entire student community. Legal representatives for the universities accused the protesters of trespassing on private property and potentially engaging in illegal activities.
Mr. Justice Johnson refrained from ruling on the alleged disruptive behaviors of the protesters and suggested that there are alternative ways for them to exercise their right to protest without occupying university property.
Following the ruling, Ms. Ali expressed disappointment with the court’s decision. She criticized the University of Birmingham for silencing student voices to protect its relationships with arms manufacturers like BAE Systems.
According to her solicitor Oliver Edwards, Ms. Ali plans to continue her Boycott Divest Sanctions protest and is considering an appeal.
Universities
The University of Birmingham welcomed the court’s decision, highlighting that it will allow their diverse community to access the entire campus without any restrictions.
The university affirmed its commitment to upholding free speech for all members of the community.
A spokesperson for the University of Nottingham emphasized that the court order will minimize disruptions for students and staff utilizing the university’s educational and research facilities.
The first British institution to evict protesters from a Gaza-related encampment under a court order was the London School of Economics. Following a judge’s ruling on June 14, the protesters vacated the premises within three days.
PA Media contributed to this report.
