On May 13th, 2024, a walk-out at UvA’s Roeterseiland campus was organised in opposition of police violence in the Netherlands and massive human rights violations and war crimes in Gaza. Unfortunately, there were also instances of destruction and violence carried out by a small group of individuals on our campus, such as smashing computer monitors, vandalising walls and floors, and destroying art. We are saddened to conclude that this encampment was not entirely peaceful.

We strongly distance ourselves from any expressions of antisemitism, any endorsements of Hamas, any acts of violence and vandalism. We value the right to peaceful protest, for instance by means of encampments, to make our voices heard and to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the respect of international law, and human rights for and by all.

With this letter we, as students and staff of the UvA distance ourselves from the destruction and vandalism caused by a small group of people present at all three encampments/occupations. At the same time, excessive police violence used against peaceful protesters, who were, without ample warning, beaten with batons, is unjustified in a democracy. If aggressive individuals are present at a protest, we call on the police to arrest them, without using physical violence against peaceful protesters.