Police once again entered the Sorbonne on the evening of May 7th to evacuate 86 students gathered in solidarity with Gaza from an amphitheater. Less than twenty-four hours after Prime Minister Gabriel Attal stated that there would never be a “right to block” in French universities, these arrests followed two others on the same day of two Sciences Po students, as around a hundred Palestine committee activists tried to block access to the school. The Sorbonne students were placed in police custody for various charges such as intentional damage, participation in a group with the intention of violence or destruction, rebellion, violence against a person in authority, or intrusion into a school establishment to disrupt its tranquility or order.
Minister of Higher Education, Sylvie Retailleau, stated in a message posted on X on Tuesday night that several public agents were violently pushed and confronted by a group of individuals who were hoping to occupy the Sorbonne. She mentioned that the rectorate would file a complaint without delay. The following day, about 150 people gathered at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris to denounce the increasingly police response to the pro-Palestinian movement and demand the release of the arrested activists. Dozens of them remained in custody nearly fifteen hours after their arrest. Some students reported witnessing violence by campus security guards before the police arrived, with injuries such as a split lip and broken tooth.
One student, Jéhanne, who was released without charges after twelve hours in custody, described the situation as risky, considering the potential for a democratic response from the university administration. However, she stated that the students were dispersed to different police stations after being arrested, some even being held alongside individuals facing charges of aggravated assault with a weapon. The experience was deemed disproportionate and alarming by the students. The situation has sparked outrage and protests from various groups, including those gathered at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris to support the arrested students and advocate for their release.
The use of force by the police has raised questions about the handling of student protests and expressions of solidarity with Gaza in France. The incident at the Sorbonne, combined with other arrests and confrontations at Sciences Po, reflect a wider tension and debate regarding freedom of expression, right to protest, and support for international causes. The response by authorities, including the filing of complaints and prolonged detention of activists, has drawn criticism from civil rights groups, student organizations, and political entities. The situation continues to evolve, with calls for transparency, accountability, and respect for civil liberties in addressing such incidents.
The incidents at the Sorbonne and Sciences Po have reignited discussions about the role of universities in facilitating dialogue, debate, and activism on sensitive political issues. The clash between students, campus security, and law enforcement underscores the complexities of balancing academic freedom with public order and security concerns. The implications of these events on future student mobilizations, government responses, and institutional policies remain to be seen. The events have also triggered broader conversations about solidarity movements, political engagement, and the intersection of education and activism in contemporary society.
