Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast 141: Day 5: The Gaza Student Protest Crackdown
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May 18, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Aaron Walawalkar, a reporter at Liberty Investigates, sheds light on the crackdown of pro-Palestinian protests at British universities. He reveals the alarming collaboration between institutions and police, leading to increased student surveillance. Walawalkar highlights significant disciplinary actions against activists, raising critical questions about free speech. He also navigates the complexities of obtaining information about these policies, illustrating the chilling effect on future student activism amidst sweeping legal changes.
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Universities Crackdown on Gaza Activism
- UK universities exhibited a worsening crackdown on Gaza activism involving police collaboration and student surveillance.
- Campus authorities sometimes monitor social media and correspond with police, treating students as potential threats rather than community members.
Nature of Student Protests
- Protests at Newcastle University were mostly non-violent but sometimes disruptive with encampments and occupations.
- Protesters demanded transparency about university investments connected to the Israel-Gaza conflict and cessation of these investments.
Campus Security Groups Collaborate Internationally
- The Association of University Chief Security Officers organizes British campus security coordinating with US police.
- They plan joint workshops and promote private intelligence firms to monitor protests, mirroring heavy US protest responses.