Terrorist flag flown at University of Queensland protest

Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Queensland’s encampment have flown the flag of an internationally recognised terrorist organisation on the same day a rally locked down two buildings on campus.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine flag, centre, was flown at University of Queensland on Wednesday.

Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Queensland’s encampment have flown the flag of an internationally recognised terrorist organisation on the same day a rally locked down two buildings on campus.

The flag of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) was seen flying amid the placards and banners on the third day of the university’s ‘Gaza solidarity’ encampment at the St Lucia campus in Brisbane.

The PFLP is a designated terrorist organisation in the United States, the European Union and Canada, while Australia has the group on its consolidated list of organisations subject to financial sanctions.

Organisers of Students for Palestine UQ refused to condemn the decision to hang the flag on Wednesday, claiming those questioning its presence among the more than two dozen erected tents were “distracted from genocide”.

One of the group’s key organisers, Ella Gutteridge, told The Australian that the flag and the concerns of other students distract from the main focus of their campaign.

“I just think it is a deflection from the main issue, which is to stand against the genocide of Palestinians,” Ms Gutteridge said.

An opposing encampment established by Israeli students and alumni says the number of abusive incidents has been increasing. Representative of the so-called ‘Camp Shalom’, Hava Mendelle, said the flag highlights the fine line between hate speech and free speech.

“It’s a designated terrorist organisation, you’re proudly supporting it by sharing it with, an Indigenous (and Palestinian) flag right next to it,” Ms Mendelle said.

“They fire mortars and rockets at Israeli civilian homes. It’s just crazy to be on campus, and UQ is not doing anything about it.

Pro-Palestine protesters forced a lockdown at University of Queensland.

“Not only have people thrown slurs at us today, and yesterday, we’ve had some abusive incidents occur. This is getting out of hand now, and students don’t feel safe.”

Parts of the University of Queensland was locked down by officials on Wednesday after pro-Palestine protesters stormed two of its main buildings.

A hundred-strong group descended on the J.D. Story Administration building and Brian Wilson Chancellery around midday, entering the offices of vice-chancellor Deborah Terry for about 20 minutes, demanding she front the crowd to discuss the university’s ties to Boeing and Northrop Grumman, which they claimed had ties to Israel invasion of Gaza.

Social media posts show the group chanting, “Columbia first, UQ next, all universities must divest” and “Intifada, Intifada, Israel out of West Bank, Israel out of Palestine.”

Professor Terry did not emerge and has yet to engage in a discussion with them. Queensland Police were not called to the campus.

Pro-Palestine protesters force lockdown at University of Queensland.

The rally forced a lockdown on university grounds.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the University of Queensland said two buildings were included in the lockdown, noting the institution's commitment to free speech.

“Staff in two buildings were advised this afternoon that they would need their UQ ID cards to access their offices due to ongoing protest activity on campus,” the statement said.

“The university is committed to freedom of speech and is reiterating expectations that while expressing their views, people treat one another with dignity and respect to ensure our community can go about their studies, research, work or other activities.”

Up to 40 people have been camping on university grounds. They are demanding the closure of Boeing’s Research Centre and UQ to cut ties with a range of organisations, including BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman.

Ms Gutteridge saying they will continue until their demands are met.

“We want to be really clear that we are here to stand in solidarity with Palestine and we won’t stop until we see weapons manufacturers off our campus,” Ms Gutteridge said.

“We had an awesome protest to take our message to the vice-chancellor Deborah Terry.

“We’ve had heaps of support from community members, staff here at the university, and just random people. The Muslim community has really showed up.”

The protest activity mirrors a global student movement, with the number of Australian university encampments growing. Western Australia’s Curtin University and University of Adelaide are the latest institutions to see the establishments of tent cities, joining the University of Sydney and University of Melbourne.