UN calls for respecting right to protest as dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at Columbia University
'We stand for people's right to peaceful protest against the policies of any government,' says spokesperson
New York City police arrested dozens of pro-palestine protesters on Columbia University on wednesday evening after they took over part of a central library.
HAMILTON, Canada
The UN on Thursday called for respecting everyone's right to peaceful protests as dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at Columbia University last night.
Asked whether the UN defines protests against the Israeli government as antisemitism, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said at a news conference that the UN believes "antisemitism involves expressions of hatred or bias against the Jewish people."
"Israel is a (UN) member state, like other member states. All member states can be subjected fairly to criticism, and we stand for people's right to peaceful protest against the policies of any government," he said.
In response to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' position on US arrests of pro-Palestine protesters, Haq noted that every incident is different.
"But as a general principle, we want to make sure that everyone's right, including the right of students, to peaceful protest is fully respected," he added.
Haq's remarks came after more than 70 people were arrested for attempting to enter Columbia University's main library in Manhattan late Wednesday.
Following the arrests, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the Donald Trump administration is reviewing the visa status of pro-Palestinian protesters.
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