Pro-Palestinian activists must vacate KU Leuven college building, judge rules

The Leuven Justice of the Peace has ruled that the pro-Palestinian activists, who have been occupying KU Leuven's De Valk college building since 13 May, must leave the building. 

After a judge previously rejected KU Leuven’s pleas in Leuven’s court of first instance, the university initiated a new process before the city’s Justice of the Peace in early August. It requested freedom for its campus "so that it can be used again for the fundamental functions of the university, namely teaching and research." Three students, who, according to the university’s lawyer, had appeared in the media identified as "representatives" of the protest, also received direct summons.

The Justice of the Peace has now ruled that the three, as well as all others who were in the building or on the grounds to participate in the actions, must vacate it. This must be done within eight days of the judgement being served by a bailiff, or within eight days of the judgement being posted in the college building. 

According to the Justice of the Peace, the activists are doing more than merely exercising their right to freedom of expression, association, protest and demonstration: they are trying to impose their views on KU Leuven by occupying a building of the university until it meets their demands. 

KU Leuven can have the judgement executed immediately, even if the three were to appeal.

^{#FlandersNewsService | KU Leuven students protest in solidarity with the Palestinian people © BELGA PHOTO INE GILLIS}