Justice of the Peace ruling on protesting KU Leuven students expected Friday
The Leuven Justice of the Peace is set to deliver a ruling this Friday regarding the ongoing occupation of the De Valk college building by pro-Palestinian students from KU Leuven. On Tuesday, both the university and the protesting students presented their arguments before the court.
The conflict began in early August when KU Leuven sought legal intervention to end the occupation, which has been ongoing since May. The university issued a direct summons to three students, requesting an eviction order. Previously, KU Leuven had also filed a case with the Court of First Instance in Leuven, arguing that the occupation was disruptive. However, the court ruled that the occupation was peaceful and that an eviction would be "disproportionate," a decision later upheld by the Court of Appeal in Brussels.
Before the Justice of the Peace, KU Leuven stated its right to property, arguing that the prolonged occupation violated this right. The university's lawyer said that the building is needed for education and research, especially with the new academic year approaching. "New students cannot be welcomed in De Valk," the lawyer argued, pointing out the operational challenges posed by the occupation.
15 pro-Palestinian students protest outside the Rector's Office of KU Leuven on 11 June 2024.
©BELGA VIDEO INE GILLIS
The university was also critical of the students' demands, which included severing ties with Israeli universities. The students have stated they would only vacate the building if their demands were met. The university's lawyer described this stance as "a form of coercion," likening it to "thought police." He warned that allowing the students to continue their occupation would create a "dangerous precedent."
In response, the student's lawyer pointed out that the courts had previously ruled in their favour, recognising the occupation as peaceful. He also highlighted the students' right to freedom of expression, praising their actions as socially conscious and serene. "It is admirable how they are taking social and serene action and are critical of society," the lawyer said. He criticised KU Leuven for trying to suppress this form of protest, stating, "It is at least as regrettable that a university that is supposed to critically educate its students wants to combat this."
Ahead of the court session on Tuesday, about 50 students and sympathisers gathered outside the courthouse, holding banners and Palestinian flags while chanting slogans like "Free free Palestine," "No justice, no peace," and "The students united, will never be defeated."
One of the summoned students, Nicolas Vallaey, criticised the university's approach, saying, "KU Leuven supposedly holds an open dialogue in high regard, but it has not responded to our emails for more than two months. They only communicate via the court. That is absolutely unworthy of a university."
The students have launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance their legal battle, raising approximately 4,000 euros so far.
#FlandersNewsService | Students protest at KU Leuven in solidarity with Palestine on 24 May, 2024
© BELGA PHOTO INE GILLIS
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