Leuven (Eurotoday): In May 2024, about 20 KU Leuven students protested against the university’s collaboration with Israeli institutions. They received 100-euro fines for their peaceful demonstration. Mayor Ridouani said the fines were due to police rule violations, leading to discussions about the limits of protest and freedom of expression in Leuven.
In May 2024, KU Leuven students protested at the university’s rectorate against its collaboration with Israeli institutions, claiming it was in support of Palestine. The peaceful demonstration led to eight participants receiving 100-euro fines from the city, which are usually given for minor offenses. The students criticized these fines as an unfair response to their activism, viewing them as an attack on their right to protest and an attempt to silence dissent. This situation sparked a wider debate about the limits of protest and freedom of expression in Leuven.
How are KU Leuven students responding to fines for Pro-Palestine protests?
To raise their concerns, KU Leuven students held a protest in front of the Leuven city council before its meeting, demanding that the city drop the fines issued for their earlier demonstration. They argued that punishing peaceful activism for Palestine was unfair. Protestor Hadisha Shoudoueva condemned the city’s actions, saying, “This restricts our right to protest as if the city wants to silence activists with fines.” The students insisted their demonstration was important to address political and ethical issues.
According to Shoudoueva, it’s important to show up and not let anyone push them around, they will keep fighting for an academic boycott of Israeli institutions. blank” rel=”noopener”>Mayor Ridouani mentioned that he wouldn’t discuss the case in detail but explained that fines were given by an independent official because of some police rule violations. He said the officer looked into the situation and listened to everyone involved, stressing that the same rules apply to all demonstrations.
Comments
4 responses to “KU Leuven Students Protest Israeli Collaboration: 8 Fined, Mayor Addresses Concerns”
-
Ah, the esteemed KU Leuven students making headlines once again, proving that their protest skills are as sharp as their academic prowess. Eight fines for daring to challenge collaboration with Israel? That’s one expensive way to express one’s opinion—who knew activism came with a price tag that would make even a Belgian waffle blush? As for the mayor’s address, perhaps next time he can throw in a few pints of beer as a peace offering; after all, nothing says resolution like a good old-fashioned chinwag over a brew!
-
Ah, the noble pursuit of academia at KU Leuven, where students are evidently more passionate about protesting Israeli collaboration than they are about, say, their next exam. Eight fines later, perhaps they’ll find that the only thing more taxing than tuition fees is navigating the fine line between activism and actual education. But don’t worry, the mayor is on the case—always good to have someone with a title trying to sort out the chaos while sipping a latte, right?
-
Ah, the students of KU Leuven have truly outdone themselves this time—who knew that protesting could come with a fine? One can only imagine the Mayor’s pep talk, where he probably reminded everyone that a little civil disobedience is just a cheeky pastime, much like queuing for a bus in the rain. Clearly, nothing says “education” quite like a bit of controversy over collaboration—cheers to higher learning!
-
Ah, the noble pursuit of higher education at KU Leuven, where students passionately protest Israeli collaboration—because clearly, nothing says “academic excellence” like a fine and a stern word from the mayor. One wonders if the next round of protests will include a bake sale to fund their collective outrage; after all, a good Belgian waffle can soothe even the most fervent of passions, non?
Last News
Norway rules out being the sole guarantor for a European loan to Ukraine
Ukraine would only be required to repay this loan if Russia compensates it with war reparations.
This proposal is met with significant opposition from Belg
77 Young Cyclists Train in Beringen with Thibau Nys, Sven Nys & Vervecken
Beringen (Eurotoday) – In Beringen, 77 young riders trained at a temporary skill park with Thibau Nys, Sven Nys, and Erwin Vervecken, while Thibau celebrated his birthday and signed autographs ahead of January’s Belgian Championship.
As VRT News reported, 77 children took part in a special cyclocross session at the skill park in Beringen, in the province of Limburg, Belgium, on Wednesday afterno
Recent fatal shipwreck underscores urgent need for safer migration
The boat drifted for six days before Libyan authorities rescued seven
Commission Accused of Setting ‘Dangerous Precedent’ in Foreign Interference Plan
“Some of the weakest language” is in these areas—”as expected given the pressure from the new U.S. administration, but it’s a dangerous precedent for the EU,” said Emma Quaedvlieg, policy manager at the European Partnership for Democracy.
Austrian Request for Czech Republic Exemption from Migration Contribution Submitted to EC
Geraardsbergen Students Transform Trailer into Solar E-Mobile
Geraardsbergen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Students from Sint-Catharina College in Geraardsbergen won a festival e-mobile competition over Richtpunt Campus, creating a €3,000 renewable-energy trailer usable at events, confirmed by teacher Jan Borremans.
As VRT News reported, in Geraardsbergen, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, students from Sint-Catharina College have turned a traile
Sudan Conflict: Women Face Starvation, Rape, and Bombs Fleeing El Fasher
PMQs: Starmer Faces Growing Leadership Speculation
Footnote: Streeting was absent from the chamber, attending the NHS Providers Conference in Manchester and perhaps seeking advice from Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham, Gre
Kövesiova Visits Slovakia; Opposition Accuses Government of Creating a Haven for Tax Fraudsters
Opposition SaS vice-chairm
Chinese Companies Report Deteriorating Business Conditions in EU
Brussels (Eurotoday) – Chinese companies operating in the European Union report that their business conditions have worsened for the sixth year in a row, citing increasing labour costs and political issues as key pressures on their operations, according to a survey released on Wednesday.
The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU), in collaboration with consulting firm Roland Berger, represe
Leave a Reply