A Palestinian student at Columbia University was arrested on Saturday during a protest on campus, sparking outrage among students and activists. The student, identified as 22-year-old Leila Hassan, was participating in a demonstration calling for the university to divest from companies with ties to Israel.
The protest, organized by the Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), drew hundreds of participants who marched across campus, chanting slogans and holding banners. However, tensions escalated when university security and local police intervened, leading to Hassan’s arrest.
According to eyewitnesses, Hassan was taken into custody after refusing to disperse when ordered by authorities. “Leila was peacefully exercising her right to protest. Her arrest is a clear violation of free speech and an attempt to silence Palestinian voices,” said a fellow protester.
Columbia University officials have defended their actions, stating that the protest violated campus policies on demonstrations. “While we respect the right to peaceful protest, all activities must comply with university regulations. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” said a university spokesperson.
The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation, with student groups and human rights organizations calling for Hassan’s immediate release. “This is an attack on the Palestinian struggle for justice and an affront to academic freedom. We demand that Columbia University drop all charges against Leila and respect the rights of its students,” said a statement from the SJP.
The incident has also reignited debates about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses across the United States. Many universities have faced similar protests in recent years, with students calling for divestment from companies involved in the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
As the situation unfolds, Hassan’s arrest has become a rallying cry for activists, who are planning further demonstrations and legal actions. The case highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of addressing it in academic settings.