Mayor criticises security measures during occupation of UU buildings

In an interview with RTV Utrecht, Dijksma said that the occupiers were helped from "inside" on several occasions. “At a certain point, it was trying to bail out a sinking ship for the police,” she sighed. “The building had barely been cleared when another group moved in.” According to the mayor, she has addressed the university about the buildings' inadequate security.

A spokesperson for UU states that the university maintains ongoing dialogue with the municipality regarding the security of its buildings at both the administrative and executive levels. According to the spokesperson, the university is also doing everything it can to prevent vandalism and occupations.

At the same time, UU asks for understanding as it has more than 80 buildings, where nearly 50,000 students and staff study and work. "We cannot and do not want to lock all doors or put security guards at every door."

Moreover, the spokesperson underscores that the university can't simply remove occupiers from its buildings. To do so, UU depends on the mayor, the police and the Public Prosecution Service.

UU also says it aims to offer students and staff the space to express their perspectives. If people cross the line, they will be called to account. Any damage caused to buildings is reported to the police.

In a meeting of the University Council this week, the UU President, Hans Brug, replied to questions from council member Lloyd-Leonard Opdam by saying that the latest occupation of a building on Drift, which lasted almost a week and a half, caused nearly 100,000 euros in damage. Brug acknowledged that it will probably be impossible for the university to recover that amount from those responsible.