Pro-Palestine students say fireworks thrown at uni encampment
Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Adelaide say fireworks were last night thrown at their encampment, which was set up to protest Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
The activist group said that a first firework was set off inside the camp at around 9:40pm, partially melting and scorching a tent, and that two other fireworks were thrown off the top of the Braggs building near the Maths Lawns at around 10:20pm.
The group said that SA Police and campus security attended the scene.
El Hall, who is involved in the Students for Palestine activist group, said that no one was injured.
“It was a bit shocking more than anything,” they said.
“It’s happening while Israel’s bombing Rafah and they’re trying to intimidate people into not continuing pro-Palestinian activism.
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“Our message is that we won’t be intimidated and we’re going to continue to camp out here, and actually, more people have been coming out here in the face of this.”
Students for Palestine set up camp on the Maths Lawns at the University of Adelaide last Wednesday to protest Israel’s war in Gaza and to demand the university disclose all ties to and divest from weapons companies.
Hall said there are more than 30 tents but the university is yet to respond to the group’s demands.
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The encampment follows similar protests in the United States, which have led to a crackdown by university administrators and local authorities, while similar camps have also been set up at universities in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.
A University of Adelaide spokesperson said the university was “dedicated to maintaining the physical safety and amenity of our campuses for all students and staff”.
“The University takes the welfare and physical safety of our community very seriously and will not tolerate behaviour or conduct that is unlawful or affects the fulfilment of our duty to foster the wellbeing of staff and students,” they said.
“Following reports of incidents overnight, the university will be increasing its existing security presence on campus to ensure the safety and welfare of its community and will work with the appropriate authorities to assist with their enquiries.”
SAPOL said it was “investigating a report from protestors at the Adelaide University that fireworks had been thrown at their tents about 10.30pm last night (Tuesday 7 May)”.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or call 1800 333 000.
Students for Palestine held a rally at the University of Adelaide prior to setting up their encampment. Photo: Helen Karakulak
