Adelaide pro-Palestine protesters say they will ‘stand in solidarity’ with Deakin University

Organisers of the weeks long protest at Adelaide uni have decried moves against similar demonstrations interstate.

A major Victorian university has ordered student protesters dismantle a pro-Palestinian encampment on its ground – but University of Adelaide student activists say they’re standing in solidarity and are there to stay.

Students of Palestine organisers in Burswood, east of Melbourne, have signalled they will not go without a fight and have publicised a ‘Rally to Defend’ the camp.

Meanwhile, the former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg has called for all Australian universities to follow the lead of Deakin University and pull down pro-Palestine encampments.

Mr Frydenberg has gone as far as to dub the protests as “campus camps of hate”.

Adelaide Students of Palestine organiser El Hall said they heard about Deakin University’s order for the immediate dismantling of the pro-Palestinian encampment on Tuesday morning.

El Hall poses at the Adelaide Uni Gaza Solidarity Encampment. Picture: Mark Brake

Hall revealed the Adelaide group was distressed by the call as they felt it limited their freedom.

“I think this is a pretty clear attack on free speech; like students are not allowed to exercise that right of protest on campus,” they told The Advertiser.

“The Deakin student encampment is also set up by Students of Palestine – like us – we’re a national group across the country and we will stand in solidarity with the Deakin encampment.”

A University of Adelaide spokesperson has told The Advertiser there was no reason to dismantle the camp while it was not overtly negatively impacting other students.

“The University of Adelaide supports lawful freedom of expression and allows peaceful protests by our students that do not reasonably cause others to feel threatened,” they said.

Signs at the Adelaide Uni Gaza Solidarity Encampment at the Maths Lawns. Picture: Mark Brake

Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Picture: Supplied by Sky News Australia.

“We do not support behaviour and activities that disrupt the University’s operations or damage property and will take necessary action to ensure the safety of students and staff.”

However, Hall said they had received what they perceived as a “threatening” letter from the institution’s leadership.

“We’ve had emails sent out that were essentially stating the student code of conduct that we’re expected to abide by,” Hall said.

“There seemed to have been a bit of a threatening undertone from the university which is bizarre because out encampment is entirely peaceful.

“Meanwhile, there is still no word from them about the two times we have been attacked.”

Students based at the Adelaide University Gaza solidarity encampment were attacked with homemade fire crackers twice in three days last week.