Update | Graffiti and paint removed on Science Park, education and research continues today
The pro-Palestine demonstration that began peacefully at the Science Park on Monday became “no longer peaceful” during the course of the evening, the UvA said. Around 10.30pm, Mayor Halsema arrived at the Science Park, usually a prelude to an eviction. This did not take place: the occupiers eventually left around midnight.
Cleaners started early Tuesday morning to clean up the mess after the previous day’s demonstration. Graffiti and paint are being cleaned. The buildings are freely accessible again, says the UvA, so teaching and research can continue as usual.
The peaceful demonstration by pro-Palestine protesters, which started at Science Park on Monday afternoon, escalated in the evening. “Security cameras were smashed, passages blocked, masked people walked around again and barricades were erected,” a UvA spokesperson said. “Un the evening, it was no longer a peaceful demonstration.”
Earlier in the day, talks took place between Science Faculty dean Peter van Tienderen and protesters about cutting ties between the UvA and Israel. Those talks yielded nothing in the eyes of the protesters.
Takeover
Around six o’clock tonight, some thirty tents were on the grounds, involving an estimated 150 protesters. They reported via social media to have “taken over” Science Park. Initially, the demonstration went peacefully and the UvA let them stand until then. But now that there has been renewed vandalism, a different situation has arisen. It is unclear whether an eviction is imminent.
Update 8:15 p.m.: The UvA has announced it will file a report to the police for trespassing. In addition to the vandalism and barricades, the protesters want to spend the night on site and the UvA does not want that. It is now up to the police whether or not to end the demonstration and to possibly evacuate Science Park.
Update 10:30 p.m.: According to city broadcaster AT5, vans of the ME have arrived in Nieuw-West. According to the station, this involves assistance from The Hague.
Update 23.45: The activists will not accept the mayor’s proposal to leave Science Park. As a result, an eviction is likely imminent.
Update 00.30: The ME does not need to intervene, the occupiers leave Science Park of their own accord.
