Police across America appear to be done with the ongoing protests of students calling attention to the war in Gaza on their college campuses. Cops in Los Angeles arrested more than 130 activists today, shooting rubber bullets, according to witnesses.
Camps have also been cleared in other cities. Correspondent Erik Mouthaan answers five questions.
1. The protests in the US have been going on for a while. What is the reason for breaking them up now?
The universities have had enough. They point out that in some cases violence was used. For example, on Monday in New York, students destroyed windows and furniture in a building they occupied.
The tents that had first been set up by demonstrators were also reinforced with wooden pallets and objects that could be used as weapons.
2. What do the students themselves say about it?
The pro-Palestinian groups are furious about the police action. They believe that they have not broken any rules, and that universities are places where protest should be possible.
The organizers of the demonstrations also claim that it is precisely pro-Israel activists who use violence as a means. Yesterday in Los Angeles, wooden objects and fireworks were indeed thrown at students wearing Palestinian scarves.
3. What effect does this have on the lectures?
They are almost ready. The academic year ends in May. The universities are now preparing for graduation ceremonies, and they also want their campuses to be free of protest tents.
4. How do Americans view these protests?
Many people are concerned about building occupations and feel that the movement is becoming radicalized. But other Americans believe students have the right to take action. Young Democrats in particular agree with the activists that no more financial or military support should be sent to Israel. In short, the country is divided.
5. Will this also be a theme in the elections?
If the protests continue, yes. Donald Trump speaks of ‘anarchy’ in the big cities and ‘radical left-wing ideas in our education systems’. He spreads the image that the big cities are dangerous and Joe Biden is too weak to restore order.
Biden was forced to give a scheduled speech on the subject today. He stated that demonstrating is a great right in the US, but that it does not mean you can be violent or anti-Semitic.
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