A Green councillor has joined Glasgow University students in their ‘occupation’ of a university building in a protest against Israel.
The demonstrators say their action is directed at the university’s connections to the Middle East nation.
At 2pm on Monday, 35 students, accompanied by Councillor Danny Alderslowe, began a protest on the roof of the university’s Computer Science building.
The protesters have issued administrators with a list of demands. This includes the university ending its relationship with defence company BAE Systems and stopping contracts with Israeli mineral water producers Eden Springs.
They also demand the university give bursaries and computers to Palestinians and place the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal on the university’s website.
Councillor Alderslowe said: "Today's peaceful action highlights the connections between the University, through their support for these companies, to the recent bombings in Gaza, especially given the use of weapons systems provided by BAE Systems.”
Glasgow University’s principal Sir Muir Russell has issued a three-page response to the demands, insisting that the institution is not directly involved in weapons research. He also pointed out that Eden Springs sources its UK supply of mineral water in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire.
A spokesperson for the university said: "The University is disappointed that students have occupied a floor in the computing science building, despite the Principal’s offer to meet with a representative group. Sir Muir remains willing to meet with students.
"The University respects the right to freedom of speech, but the rights of students and staff to engage in their normal business must always be respected.”
