After the recent occupation of the Audimax at the University of Leipzig by pro-Palestinian activists, the police have launched over 30 criminal proceedings. Charges include alleged trespassing, violations of assembly laws, and resisting arrest. Some activists reportedly resisted police efforts to remove them, with one officer sustaining injuries. Graffiti and damage were also reported on the university campus. The activists, who barricaded the doors and set up tents to demonstrate their support for Palestine, are facing demands for compensation from the university for damages caused.
The occupation of the Audimax involved 13 activists who used cable ties to lock the doors and blocked all entrances with over 30 people. The university plans to seek compensation from those involved in the illegal occupation. A university spokesperson stated that the group involved in the protest appeared to be seeking escalation. It is unclear whether the protesters were students at the University of Leipzig. Similar demonstrations have occurred at other German universities, including a camp set up by pro-Palestinian activists at the University of Bremen. The situation remained peaceful with ongoing discussions between authorities and university officials.
In response to the protests, the University of Hamburg has issued guidelines for staff to report and remove any unauthorized flyers or graffiti. The university is actively addressing concerns related to anti-Semitism and has reported no major incidents since the Hamas attacks on Israel. Nearby, activists have also initiated a vigil under the theme “Hands Off Rafah,” drawing up to 150 participants at its peak. The protest has been peaceful, reflecting the broader wave of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The authorities have extended permission for the demonstration at the University of Bremen until Friday. The protest, supported by groups like “Students for Palestine HH” and Thawra, continues to attract attention on social media. Recent clashes at the University of Hamburg, where a Jewish student was injured, have raised concerns about potential violence. In the United States, similar protests have erupted at various universities in solidarity with Palestinians and against Israeli actions in the Gaza conflict. The ongoing demonstrations highlight the global impact of the conflict and the diverse responses it evokes.
