1 week ago
Last Updated: April 26, 2024, 22:48 IST
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
Nearly 550 arrests have been made in connection with protests over the past week. (Screengrab)
The campus violence comes as protests against the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza continue unabated at major universities in the US
Clashes between police and students opposed to Israel’s war in Gaza continued in the US this week, with some condemning methods being used to shut down protests that have intensified. US media reports said that over 500 arrests have been made in connection with protests over the past week.
While some top US schools, including Columbia, are negotiating with student protesters, others have quickly turned to law enforcement to douse demonstrations before they can take hold. During a pro-Palestine protest at Emory University in Atlanta on Thursday, an economics professor, Caroline Fohlin, found herself at the center of a violent confrontation with law enforcement officers as police attempted to disperse the crowd.
Arrest of Emory professor
A CNN crew captured the forceful arrest of Emory University professor Caroline Fohlin at a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus on Thursday.Fohlin was seen questioning a police officer who was arresting a protester before she was thrown to the ground and handcuffed. pic.twitter.com/a0IkPyAerv
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) April 26, 2024
Viral video
In a viral video, Fohlin is seen approaching police officers who are attempting to apprehend a protester lying on the ground. In the midst of her inquiry, an officer aggressively grabs her hands, attempting to push her away. Despite her protests, she was forcefully knocked to the ground, with her hands restrained behind her back using zip-ties.
Another officer, as seen in the video, adds pressure to her back, preventing her from rising. Throughout the ordeal, Fohlin repeatedly identifies herself as a professor, but her pleas go unheeded. After these incidents, protest organisers condemned what they termed as “police brutality” and labeled the actions of law enforcement as “an act of terrorism.”
‘Final solution’ — Nazi reference
In another alarming incident at a US campus, a protester was photographed holding a sign advocating for the “final solution” at George Washington University (GW) in Washington, DC. This sign was a chilling reference to the Nazi genocide of Jews during the Holocaust, the New York Post reported.
The unidentified individual, seen carrying a large Palestinian flag, sparked outrage for employing a term associated with Adolf Hitler’s plan for the “annihilation of the Jews.” The image has sparked strong reactions. “We are aware that individuals who are not GW students have joined the protest, and we have taken steps to restrict access to University Yard,” the university was quoted as saying by The Post. “We continue to work with the [Metropolitan Police Department] to ensure the safety and security of our campus.
“We are aware that individuals who are not GW students have joined the protest, and we have taken steps to restrict access to University Yard. “We will pursue disciplinary actions against the GW students involved in these unauthorized demonstrations that continue to disrupt university operations.”, which is working with police said.”
