Updated: Protestors demonstrate on Drift and occupy Drift 25

This morning, UU students who wanted to prepare for their exams in the University Library in the city centre had to find another place to study. The building was closed due to a protest by pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the street. Activists also occupied the university building at Drift 25. Other UU buildings on Drift were equally inaccessible.

Around thirty pro-Palestinian activists blocked part of Drift. They formed a blockade on the Voorstraat side and on the Janskerkhof side by putting their arms through tubes. According to a spokesperson, UU received a report of the blockade at around 8:45 am on Wednesday, when it emerged that activists were also in the Drift 25 building, refusing to allow security staff to enter it. UU then decided to close the University Library. 

The lectures and seminars that had been planned for today were moved to other locations. The library is usually crowded at this time of the year because many students have exams. 

According to Max, a spokesperson for the protestors, the decision to close all doors to the University Library was made by the university. “We left other entrances open so that students could enter to study for their exams.” The activists intend to remain until UU complies with their demand to sever ties with Israeli partners.

The UU Encampment protest movement left the building at Drift 25 at noon for a protest march. They still demand that UU sever all ties with Israeli partners.