Pro-Palestine protesters leave Utrecht University after ten days
Pro-Palestinian protesters, who occupied a building at Utrecht University for more than ten days, left the building this morning. The protesters had demanded that the university sever all ties with Israel in response to the ongoing war in Gaza.
The occupation began on December 2, when protesters locked themselves inside a building on Drift Street in the city center. They announced their departure via their Instagram account, criticizing the university for threatening legal action instead of dialogue.
Utrecht University issued a final warning, stating that it would initiate urgent legal proceedings if the protesters did not leave the building by 12 PM. The judge was scheduled to decide whether the eviction would be carried out. This morning, security personnel found that the interior was fortified with tables and belts, and most of the windows were closed, while one window on the upper floor was open.
The protesters confirmed that they have not abandoned their cause, but they preferred to avoid the costs of legal proceedings. It is still unclear whether any damage was caused to the building during the occupation.
The university reported that the protest caused significant disruptions, forcing the relocation or cancellation of lectures for between 1,200 and 1,700 students. Authorities also noted acts of vandalism in other university buildings attributed to the same group. The university reiterated that intimidation and property destruction are not acceptable means to influence policies. No new collaborations with Israeli institutions have been established since May, despite ongoing projects.