Discussions ensued between the university and the protesters. A UNU-Merit researcher who often attends the demonstrations also spoke with the students. Meanwhile, they played a game of cat and mouse with security by using a chair placed outside to climb in and out of the room through the window. Twice, a chair was removed from the window.
Police not called in
After about 45 minutes, at around 1 p.m., the protesters moved to the FASoS student lounge at number 76s, elsewhere in the complex. Among others, a student from Gaza will speak there. The atmosphere is calm, and the student at the door of the room—unrecognizable due to his face mask—responds evasively to questions from Observant.
The announced program also includes a film screening that is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. According to spokesperson Josephine Knegtering, the university is currently discussing with the protesters where this should take place. Contrary to what was heard in the corridors, she says the police have not been called in.
[UPDATE: the film was screened in the student lounge.]
University must do more, say protesters
One of the students in the first classroom explained why another protest march was being held by reading out a pamphlet. Maastricht University must do more than just suspend its ties with Hebrew University, as was recently announced: it should also stop collaborating with Israeli researchers on an individual basis and within the framework of European Horizon projects. The UM was also accused of using vague language, for example by referring to an ‘armed conflict’.
Meanwhile, the FASoS buildings are only accessible to those who can show an UM card and proof that they are enrolled in a course. However, not every security guard in the complex is equally strict about that requirement.