University leader downplays anti-Semitism. - What could make this considered usual "graffiti"?
As police removed demonstrators, University President Julia Blumenthal (53) spoke about "dialogue" and "graffiti" on the walls. However, she didn't specify the messages: pig heads crossed and red triangles - symbols of Hamas's military objectives!
These triangles were discovered on a pillar and an office sign, among other places. A person from the Institute of Social Sciences purportedly researches the Middle East conflict, antisemitism, and Eastern Europe in the room.
Blumenthal didn't intervene because some protesters tried to remove a triangle from an office, she stated. However, the squatters also admitted they didn't have complete control over the situation.
In response to the hate symbols, Blumenthal said, "We allowed this since the group we talked to was also willing to abide by certain rules, such as no more graffiti in the building." Regrettably, many university walls were defaced with antisemitic slogans and images that same day.
Blumenthal later defended her decision to tolerate the occupation till 6 p.m. and her dialogue strategy by saying, "I don't think it's genocide in Gaza. I've condemned Hamas's attacks. But I'm trying to support the students."
Finally, a day of protests resulted in "orders from above" to clear the occupied facilities with the help of police.
Mayor Had to Put His Foot Down
Blumenthal's conduct and the university administration received heavy criticism. Wegner, Berlin's governing mayor (CDU), commented, "Universities are not lawless for anti-Semites and terror sympathizers."
After a meeting with Interior Senator Iris Spranger (62, SPD), Science Senator Ina Czyborra (57, SPD), and Julia Blumenthal (53), the directive to end the occupation was given.
Police reported around 120 people inside the institute, with around 20 barricaded in the upper level. A pile driver was used to open the barricaded door. There were additionally 50 people in the university's inner courtyard, chanting partially pro-Palestinian slogans.
Authorities arrested 169 people briefly, and their identities were ascertained. Ultimately, 25 charges were filed, including suspicion of inciting hatred, resisting law enforcement, and disturbing the peace.
The university shut down on Friday morning, and officers took up positions there. Painters arrived to remove the graffiti, and crews removed trash from the institute.
Read also:
- Halle transfers Halili from Jena.
- Knorr holds an edge at home against an intimidated rival.
- What's the cost of acquiring Kompany in Bayern?
- Shocking Bayer setback for Lookman in Germany
Source: symclub.org