Pro-Palestinian Activists Evicted from École Normale Supérieure
On Sunday evening, French police evacuated pro-Palestinian activists from the prestigious École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris, which had been temporarily closed by management. This closure followed the installation of a camp set up by about thirty student activists in the main courtyard. The evacuation was noted to be peaceful but firm, with the police taking identities and moving the activists out of the premises.
The ENS management made the tough decision to evacuate the campus after photos and names of board members, covered in drops of blood, were posted on social media. This exposure was deemed to pose a potential threat to those participating in the school's democratic processes.
Growing Wave of Mobilization Across France
This event is part of a broader movement, echoing similar pro-Palestinian mobilizations on American campuses. Various actions have erupted across France, particularly around Sciences Po sites. This growing wave of student activism has intensified political debate, especially amid the European campaign.
Last week, police also intervened at the School of Advanced Studies in Social Sciences (EHESS) in Aubervilliers to end a similar occupation by pro-Palestinian activists. Despite these protests happening without much public attention, they have nevertheless led to several police interventions and heightened security measures.
- The ENS aims to reopen its doors as soon as possible, signaling a desire to return to normalcy following these disruptions. The management described the decision to evacuate activists as 'very difficult,' emphasizing that the safety and democratic engagement of its community were at risk.
- The **mobilization in France**, inspired by similar movements in the United States, indicates a global spread of student-led activism concerning the Palestinian cause. These activities have sparked debates within academic and political circles, affecting institutions such as ENS, EHESS, Sciences Po Paris, and Sorbonne.
