• By Vivek Raj
  • Sat, 27 Apr 2024 10:52 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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Protests advocating for Palestine have surged across prominent US universities, with Emory University in Atlanta witnessing a tense moment as police detained Professor Caroline Fohlin during a demonstration.

In a video recorded by CNN reporters, Fohlin is seen intervening as police officers handle a student protester. Despite identifying herself as a professor, she was forcibly restrained and handcuffed by officers.

These demonstrations, which originated at Columbia University, have expanded to campuses nationwide, with gatherings in Los Angeles, Boston, and Austin. Approximately 2,000 individuals convened in Austin on Thursday.

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These incidents are part of a broader trend of protests that originated at Columbia University and have expanded to campuses nationwide.

Reports indicate that over 200 individuals have been arrested across various universities, including in Los Angeles, Boston, and Austin, Texas. The protests have seen law enforcement resorting to measures such as chemical irritants and tasers to disperse crowds.

Earlier this week, an Indian-origin student Achinthya Sivalingam and a fellow college mate studying at Princeton University were arrested and have been barred from campus and now face disciplinary action for organising a student-led pro-Palestine protest.

Reacting to the recent student protests at US universities, India’s foreign ministry spokesperson said that ‘we are always in touch with the students studying in US universities’.

"We have seen reports on the matter and have been following related events. In every democracy, there has to be the right balance between freedom of expression, a sense of responsibility and public safety and order. Democracies in particular should display this understanding in regard to other fellow democracies. After all, we are all judged by what we do at home and not what we say abroad," said Mr Jaiswal.

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The protests reflect solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 34,305 amid ongoing conflict. Hamas's October 7 attack, resulting in over 1,170 deaths, sparked Israel's military intervention.

Israeli authorities report approximately 250 individuals held hostage by Hamas, with 129 still in Gaza, including 34 presumed deceased.