Pro-Palestinian Demonstrations Disrupt Sciences Po Paris

Sit-in and Occupation at Prestigious University

Pro-Palestinian students have taken over the historic headquarters of Sciences Po in Paris, mirroring similar protests on American university campuses. The occupation began overnight, with students from the 'Comité Palestine' blocking access to the main building on Rue Saint-Guillaume. This action follows a smaller encampment set up earlier in the week, which was cleared by police.

Tensions Escalate with Counter-Protests

On the afternoon of October 7, 2023, tensions escalated as the “We will live” collective, consisting of individuals in their 40s and 50s, demonstrated with signs showing both Palestinian and Israeli flags. Their message was to "Liberate Gaza from Hamas!" This group was met by counter-protesters, including activists waving Israeli flags and photos of hostages in Gaza, leading to heated exchanges and chants of "Terrorist LFI!"

Police Intervention Amidst High Tensions

The situation intensified as CRS police forces intervened, rushing to Rue Saint-Guillaume to separate the conflicting groups. Counter-protesters, some dressed in black and wearing masks, confronted the police while displaying French flags and demanding the liberation of Sciences Po and the hostages.

University Response

The management of Sciences Po has reacted by preemptively closing certain areas of the university and has issued a firm condemnation of the student actions. They report approximately sixty students occupying the main building, situated in one of Paris's most upscale neighborhoods.