A group of young activists gathered at the Sciencespo faculty headquarters in Paris to protest against the ongoing violence in Gaza. Francesco and Martin, both 22 years old, stood at the entrance waving a Palestinian flag. They were met with barricades made of trash cans, fences, bicycles, and wooden pallets throughout the day.
Both wore masks to conceal their identities and chanted slogans in support of Gaza. Francesco explained that they covered their faces out of fear of disciplinary actions or being identified by the extreme right. Several young people inside the building also wore Palestinian scarves and masks, holding brochures demanding justice and criticizing the ongoing violence. Marie, one of the protestors, expressed concern about the repressive responses they face when denouncing the situation in Gaza.
Nearly a hundred students had gathered in this symbolic location, protesting against the genocide in Gaza and supporting similar movements in American universities. Some students had even spent the night inside the building, determined to continue their protest. The group demanded that university management condemn attacks in Gaza, lift sanctions against penalized students, and create a space for open debate on the issue.
The protest drew attention from political figures such as Minister of Higher Education Sylvie Retailleau who called for debate but condemned any form of blockade. The movement at Sciencespo is reminiscent of historical May 68 protests which drew on a tradition of activism within student bodies. France Insoumise party members joined the rally and called for accountability in international relations.
This protest reflects broader concerns about repression and censorship around discussions related to Palestine which threaten democracy and freedom of expression. The movement at Sciencespo has sparked a larger movement against war in Gaza which spread across American universities bringing attention to need for dialogue and accountability on international issues.
