Protesting students fly the flag for Palestine

Published on Tuesday 10 February 2009 21:08

STUDENTS were last night continuing a sit-in protest at Glasgow University to demand the institution severs all links with Israeli organisations following last month's bombing of the Gaza Strip.

About 25 pro-Palestinian supporters have occupied a room on the top floor of the computer science building since 10am on Monday. They insist they will not move until the university accedes to a list of demands, including: the severing of alleged funding links with the arms manufacturer BAE Systems; the cancellation of a contract with Eden Springs, a water cooler company listed on the Tel Aviv stock exchange; and the creation of a scholarship programme for Palestinian students.

Raymid Kiernan, a fourth-year geography student, told The Scotsman: "Last week we handed in a petition with over 1,000 signatures, but that got us nowhere. So we are staying here indefinitely."

Sir Muir Russell, the university's principal, has offered to meet up to five students to discuss their concerns. He told them the university had no direct investment in the companies they had identified, and that all of its investment managers were required to operate socially responsible policies.

A university spokesman added: "We are disappointed that students have occupied a floor in the computing science building, despite the principal's offer to meet with a representative group. Sir Muir remains willing to meet with students. The university respects the right to freedom of speech, but the rights of students and staff to engage in their normal business must always be respected."

About 80 people also attended a pro-Gaza demonstration on the Glasgow University campus yesterday.

A similar sit-in protest at Strathclyde University ended after the university authorities agreed to some demands.