Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024
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Police are investigating and security is being increased at the University of Adelaide after fireworks were set off around a pro-Palestinian encampment at the CBD campus.

A video obtained by ABC News shows several loud bangs and explosions of light around tents set up on the Maths Lawn at the university, which the protesters claim was an “attack” on their camp.

It is one of many encampments which have sprung up at universities across the country, inspired by a movement at Columbia University in New York.

Eyewitnesses at the camp say the incident happened after 11pm on Wednesday night after a similar event occurred on Monday night.

Tom Gilchrist, an organiser of the Students for Palestine group running the encampment, said the people present were shaken by the event.

“I was just inside the building, saw a flash of light, heard a bang of sound, and ran out to find scorch marks on tents,” Mr Gilchrist said about Monday night’s events.

“It was obviously pretty disturbing, but once we realised what was happening [and] everyone was safe, we thought this is a cowardly tactic.”

A group of tents and flags across a lawn with buildings behind
The Pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the Maths Lawn at the University of Adelaide.(ABC News: Stephen Opie)

No-one has claimed responsibility for the lighting of the fireworks.

SA Police said it is aware of the incident and is investigating, but has not provided any further detail about the matter.

In a statement, the university said it had increased the security presence on campus “to ensure the safety and welfare of its community.”

“All members of the university community have a fundamental right to feel safe from discrimination and persecution, and to feel welcome and respected on our campuses,” a spokesperson said.

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Those protesting are calling on the university to disclose and divest its connections with Israel and weapons companies, and to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Students for Palestine group said they will remain camped out on the campus indefinitely, until their demands are met, and do not fear any further “attacks”.

“They haven’t shown their faces, and I think that’s why we’re calling it a cowardly tactic,” Mr Gilchrist said.

“They think because they’ve got fireworks that they can scare us. That’s not going to happen.”

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