President of the Executive Board Alexandra van Huffelen: ‘It is disgraceful that our own employees are being harassed in this way; this is unacceptable behaviour that crosses all boundaries. We cannot tolerate this. It is good to know that the police have made arrests.’
A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators consisting of staff and students gathered at Radboudplein near the Berchmanianum at lunchtime. Van Huffelen approached them to engage in conversation. When the spokesperson for the demonstrators covered her face, the president of the executive board ended the conversation and went inside.
The demonstrators then forced their way inside using physical violence. They shouted slogans, including through a megaphone, and banged loudly on doors and windows, which was also intimidating for other staff, students and visitors to the building. After contacting the police, several units quickly arrived at the scene. The demonstrators left the building of their own accord, without police intervention.
Staff reported the physical violence to the police, and the university reported the trespassing.
The police have stated that they used force during the arrest. One person was bitten by a police dog and taken to hospital for treatment. The Executive Board is concerned about this. The Executive Board will seek information about what happened.