Free University Berlin Cancels Event with Pro-Palestinian UN Rapporteur Amidst Campus Outcry
Berlin, Germany – The General Students’ Committee (AStA) of the Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) has strongly condemned the university administration’s decision to relocate an event scheduled for Wednesday with UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese.
The university leadership had cited "unforeseeable security risks" associated with holding the lecture on campus. However, the AStA dismissed this explanation as "a pretext to avoid engaging with the topic."
In response to the cancellation, the participating professors have secured an alternative venue and will stream the event online. The AStA has also announced plans to host a separate broadcast on campus to "bring the academic discussion to the university."
Albanese is the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Her critical statements on Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip and the occupied territories have drawn accusations of anti-Semitism. Eyal Weizman, founder of the Forensic Architecture project, was also scheduled to speak at the event.
The decision to cancel the event came after pressure from Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU), who urged FU Berlin to reconsider the in-person format.
Criticism and Outrage at University’s Decision
The AStA has expressed outrage over the university’s decision, accusing the administration of "suppressing academic freedom" and "bowing to external pressure."
"The university has a responsibility to protect and promote academic freedom," said AStA spokesman Moritz Heusinger. "Canceling this event is a clear violation of that responsibility."
Professor Manuela Boatcă, one of the organizers of the event, labeled the decision "a disgrace" and a "betrayal of the university’s mission."
Allegations of Anti-Semitism
Albanese has been criticized for her perceived bias against Israel and for allegedly making anti-Semitic statements. In a 2021 report, she accused Israel of implementing "an apartheid regime" in the occupied territories.
Weizman has also been accused of anti-Semitism for his work with Forensic Architecture, which has investigated Israeli military operations in the occupied territories.
Security Concerns
FU Berlin has defended its decision, citing a police assessment of potential security risks. The university has emphasized that it does not endorse any of the speakers’ views.
"We understand that this decision is controversial," said university president Günter M. Ziegler. "However, we believe that it is necessary to ensure the safety of our students and staff."
Campus Protests and Alternative Events
The AStA has called for protests against the university’s decision. Several other events have been organized on campus in solidarity with Albanese and Weizman.
The alternative streaming event organized by the professors will take place on Wednesday at 6:00 PM (CEST). The AStA’s broadcast will be held on the same day at 7:30 PM (CEST).
The controversy surrounding the event has sparked a heated debate about academic freedom, anti-Semitism, and the role of universities in promoting dialogue on sensitive issues.
