Impasse between Drift 25 occupiers and UU Executive Board

The protesters' demands are well known. According to the activists' spokesperson, “it has long been clear that the university must sever all ties with Israel”. The UU press office says that the university is willing to talk to the occupiers, but only once security personnel are allowed into the building to verify fire safety, among other things.

Security guards are not the only ones not allowed to enter the building. The press is also unwelcome. The occupiers justify this by saying that they want to protect their privacy. Students are allowed inside, but only after they have read the protesters' demands and motives, which are printed on an A4 sheet and hung next to the door. They are also urged not to talk to the police or the press after their visit.

Before this occupation, UU Encampment announced that they would occupy a building at Utrecht Science Park on Wednesday, at 11:00 am. A photo showed the Administration Building, the Kruyt Building, the Sjoerd Groenman Building and the Langeveld Building all circled as possible targets. Extra security was deployed at all buildings, but things remained calm. At 11:30 am, the additional security guards left the Administration Building because the announcement was mainly intended to mislead the university.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere around Drift 25, which the occupiers have renamed the Hussam Abu Safiya building, is pleasant. Outside, there is a table with stickers and information, and two people are sitting at the door to check who enters the building. We have learned from a reliable source that study rooms have been set up in the building for students to use. The vending machine on the ground floor has been unscrewed and emptied, and a stove has been put in its place. On the second floor, the occupiers have set up a library with books, articles and poetry relating to Palestine. Yesterday, a cultural programme began at 2:00 pm with poetry recitals, debates and a film screening.