Police install surveillance following Monash University clashes

Victoria Police have placed a surveillance unit at Monash University after outside activists hijacked a peaceful protest held by students.

Victoria Police have erected a security camera at Monash University. Picture: Jason Edwards

Police erected a mobile surveillance unit at Monash University in Melbourne on Thursday, the day after outside activists hijacked a peaceful protest held by students which led to violent clashes.

The camera system was erected to keep a watchful eye on the area and in hope of dissuading any further incidents like Wednesday’s where pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups collided.

Monash said in a statement that law enforcement officers had been “requested to attend” the campus multiple times since late last week.

“As a result, Victoria Police will provide a community policing presence on campus to ensure the safety of students and staff, and the wider community,” it read.

“A Victoria Police CCTV trailer has been set up near the encampment at Clayton campus to proactively monitor any activity that may require intervention and/or enforcement.”

The mood remained much more calm among the sea of tents erected on the campus’s lemon-scented lawns on Thursday before the pro-Palestinian campers took exception to security guards attempts to take down a barricade they had erected around the site.

The fence had been built around the camp with chairs, signs and other objects, with campers accusing security guards of putting their safety at risk by removing it.

“This the only protection we have from violent pro-Israel supporters,” one woman said. “A woman was violently assaulted here yesterday.”

One of the camp leaders took to a stage with a microphone claiming their lives had been threatened and the barricade was required for their safety.

“For each day of this protest we have been harassed and intimidated by supporters of Israel, who are far-right activists,” he said.

“Members of our camp have been assaulted, [group member] Madeline has been assaulted twice, and the man who did that assault came back the following day and re-entered camp while security did nothing.

“Now security is trying to dismantle our barricade, a barricade we have established to defend ourselves against far right activists. Activists who have indicated they will come here and attack people.

“These far-right activists have threatened people saying they’re going to f**k us up and they are going to kill us.”

The university failed to respond specifically to questions about the alleged assaults and threats when approached, turning The Australian to statements found on their website.

“The Monash Security team is present on-site and available 24/7 and will take any appropriate measures if the need arises in accordance with operational protocols that apply.,” it read.

“Security will intervene immediately if there is an imminent risk to safety of any person, or behaviour that constitutes a clear criminal offence.”