DUBLIN: Students at Ireland’s prestigious Trinity College Dublin university manned an on-campus pro-Palestinian protest on Saturday against Israel’s actions in Gaza, after barricading the main entrance to the site. Student activists described the protest, which began on Friday, as a “solidarity encampment with Palestine”, echoing similar protests across the United States campuses.
The protest commenced on Friday and gained momentum as dozens of students set up tents in one of the university’s central squares. The campus, renowned as a Dublin tourist attraction, witnessed benches piled up in front of the library housing the historic Book of Kells medieval manuscript.
Laszlo Molnarfi, the president of Trinity College Dublin’s student union, articulated the protesters’ demands, calling for the university to sever any existing relationships with Israel. Molnarfi underscored the gravity of the situation by declaring the closure of the Book of Kells exhibit indefinitely, emphasizing that “no business as usual” can proceed during what they term a “genocide” in Gaza.
Security measures were heightened as campus gates, typically open to the public, were closed by security staff to ensure safety amidst the protest. Trinity College Dublin issued a statement acknowledging the “unauthorized” encampment and reiterated its support for students’ right to protest.
This demonstration follows earlier disruptive protests on campus, resulting in a substantial fine imposed on the student union by the university. The fine, amounting to 214,000 euros ($230,000), was attributed to the loss of tourist revenue incurred due to previous protests concerning student fees, rent, and the conflict in Gaza.
The solidarity protests echo similar movements across US campuses, which have faced heightened tensions, clashes with law enforcement, and directives from authorities to restore order. Despite the challenges and repercussions, students at Trinity College Dublin remain resolute in their stance, underscoring the urgent need for solidarity with Palestine amid the escalating conflict with Israel.
