Radical ideology - HU building takeover: Instruction for swift rebirth of the institute
Various sections of the academic building—including walls, doors, and offices—have fallen victim to vandalism. The fourth floor took the brunt of the damage, as it was where the protesters sought shelter. The extent of the harm isn't yet clear, as per the institution's spokesperson. A criminal complaint has been lodged with the authorities concerning this matter.
The seminar rooms on the ground floor, which at the time of the protest remained securely locked, fortunately escaped any harm. Teaching activities have since been conducted virtually or at alternative sites, since the incident on Friday.
On the previous Wednesday, the university witnessed Palestinian protesters occupying its facilities. Initially, the institution's management wavered between dialoging with the activists and scientists, hindering any law enforcement action. The local police eventually cleared the premises of the protesters on Thursday evening.
University denounces vandalism
As per the "Welt" report, staff members were formally embargoed by the university from photographing the vandalism. "This refers to an internal email from the Institute of Social Sciences, primarily emphasizing safeguarding employees," Vaillant clarified. "We deplore the offensive slogans plastered all over the university's walls and firmly object to promoting the anti-Semitic and prohibited content that has been painted on the walls and doors. Furthermore, we strongly advise against sharing personal or sensitive data for the public."
During the occupation, the red triangle—an emblem commonly associated with Hamas sympathizers—was spray-painted prominently on the walls by protesters. The university had already warned that they would file a report in response to the use of an outlawed organization's symbol.
Read also:
- Tough return to normality in snow and ice
- Fewer unauthorized entries: Domino effect through controls
- Trial against BND employee from mid-December
- Xhaka leads Leverkusen to triumph in cup tournament, scoring two goals.
- The German Press Agency reported that Humboldt University in Berlin is facing backlash following the takeover of its facilities by Palestinian activists, which resulted in vandalism and the defacement of university walls with extremist slogans.
- The Israeli embassy in Berlin has expressed concern over the incidents at Humboldt University, urging German universities to take a firm stance against extremism and promote tolerance and academic freedom.
- In response to the vandalism, universities across Germany have vowed to strengthen their security measures and provide additional support to faculty and students from Israel or of Jewish descent.
- The recent events at Humboldt University have sparked a broader discussion about the need for universities to address extremism in their campuses and uphold the values of social science and open debate.
Source: www.stern.de
