SOAS university launches investigation after fracas at protest

Published: 17 June 2011
by JOSH LOEB

BOSSES at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) have launched an investigation into the fracas outside a lecture by David Willetts. Six people were arrested for public order offences amid chaotic scenes on the Bloomsbury campus.

SOAS student leaders will meet university bosses next week to condemn what they say were “heavy-handed” policing tactics at the protest, which took place on Monday night outside the Brunei Gallery where universities minister Mr Willetts was speaking.

It had been advertised online by Bloomsbury Fightback – a network of students and trade unionists – and continued for several hours outside Holborn police Station, where police dogs and a line of officers stood in front of the main doors.

The Brunei Gallery had been hired out by independent think tank Longview for a private function addressed by Mr Willetts. 

A SOAS spokeswoman said: “We understand there was a peaceful demonstration outside the Brunei Gallery when Mr Willetts arrived, but shortly thereafter a significant number of people forcibly entered the gallery and tried to gain access to the lecture theatre against the wishes of those organising the event. It was at this point that matters deteriorated, which led to police intervention.”

She said some university staff had complained of being kicked and punched by those trying to enter the gallery.

Police said activists chained exits shut using bike locks.

Students and University and College Union (UCU) representatives have insisted they were protesting peacefully and were treated too roughly by police as well as a university security guard.

Photographs and video footage uploaded within hours of the clashes show one protester bleeding from the head and others with bruises. Last night (Thursday) SOAS management said they were investigating.

Jasper Kain, co-president of SOAS Students Union, said: “We are calling for the charges against the defendants to be dropped and for the police to reassess their use of heavy-handed tactics.”

UCU branches at Birkbeck, the Institute of Education and SOAS complained that “disproportionate force” had been used. 

The SOAS spokeswoman said: “None of us can be happy about these events, and police intervention is not what we wish to see on our campus. Although this was an external event, the school was still responsible for the safety of those attending. The police only became involved once it had become apparent that the situation had deteriorated beyond our control.”

Camden police said: “There were 100-plus demonstrators present during the day and a group of them forced their way past police and security staff into the building, locking fire exits with cycle locks causing a serious health and safety risk. Five police officers sustained injuries during the incident, suffering mainly cuts and bruises, including one officer who was struck with a bottle. Further officers were required to maintain control and ensure the safety of all those present. Protesters subsequently attended Holborn police station and at times attempted to force entry.”