Protesters supporting Palestine move their camp before ANU deadline

Student protesters in Canberra have successfully relocated their pro-Palestine encampment just 50 meters down before the midday deadline set by the university, following a tense standoff with authorities.

The Kambri Tent Encampment at the Australian National University has been a focal point of controversy as students have been calling on the university to cut ties with weapons companies connected to the Israeli military. The protesters were ordered to vacate the area by midday on Tuesday after being deemed an “unacceptable safety risk” by university officials.

In response to the ultimatum, the students packed up their tents and belongings and moved their camp to a new location on University Ave opposite the School of Politics and International Relations. This overnight relocation was seen as a strategic move to avoid further conflict with police and ANU security.

Despite the move, the protesters have reiterated their demands for ANU Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell to engage with their group. In a statement, they expressed their willingness to cooperate with the university’s demands but emphasized that their ultimate goal remains unchanged – for the ANU to disclose and divest from ties to weapons companies.

ANU Chief Operating Officer Christopher Price emphasized in a letter to staff that the university’s priority is the safety of everyone on campus in the event of an emergency. He clarified that the directive to leave Kambri was not meant to suppress the protesters’ right to demonstrate but rather to ensure the overall safety of the campus.

The actions of the ANU leadership have drawn criticism from Greens Senator David Shoebridge and ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury, who have expressed support for the protesters’ cause. Rattenbury condemned the university’s attempt to move the students on, stating that they should be supporting the students in their peaceful protest and their right to speak out in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

As the protesters settle into their new location, the standoff between the students and the university administration continues, with both sides standing firm in their positions. The outcome of this ongoing conflict remains uncertain, but the determination of the student protesters to advocate for their cause is unwavering.