Amnesty criticises University of Melbourne over disciplinary action against pro-Palestine protesters

Amnesty criticises University of Melbourne over disciplinary action against pro-Palestine protesters

Amnesty International Australia has criticised the University of Melbourne’s recommendation to expel two students and suspend two others for participating in pro-Palestinian protests on campus in October 2023. The human rights organisation said the students took part in peaceful demonstrations calling for the protection of Palestinian rights in Gaza. It urged the university to reverse its decision, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for student protest rights in Australia.

“The right to protest is a fundamental human right that must be protected and upheld,” said Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s spokesperson on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He argued that universities have a duty to uphold freedom of expression and should not impose punitive measures on students engaged in peaceful protest.

Amnesty stated that if the university proceeds with the disciplinary actions, these will be the first such penalties imposed on Palestinian justice activists in Australia, raising concerns over freedom of assembly on campuses. The organisation called on the university to engage with students to support their right to protest rather than penalise them. It emphasised the historical role of student activism in advancing human rights and warned against repressing such expression in academic institutions.