Four Arrested Amid Pro-Palestinian Protest During Hillary Clinton’s Visit to Queen’s University

Four men have been apprehended for public order offences following a pro-Palestinian protest in the University Road area of south Belfast on Thursday. This event took place during a visit by former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Queen’s University, Belfast. Clinton was inaugurated as the university’s chancellor in September 2021. Queen’s University issued a statement, saying they “are disappointed at the action of this small number of protestors and condemn their behaviour”. Prominent figures, including the first and deputy first ministers, Secretary of State Hilary Benn, and US special envoy Joe Kennedy, were also in attendance at the event. The university further clarified its position, stating that while they “support any individual or group’s right to protest this must be conducted in a peaceful and respectful manner”. Some protestors displayed a large cut-out image of Hillary Clinton, which depicted blood on her hands. Earlier this year, a group of 260 staff, alumni, and students at Queen’s University Belfast authored a letter “registering profound concern” regarding Hillary Clinton’s tenure as chancellor. The open letter referenced an op-ed published in The Atlantic in November 2023, which rejected the call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The police confirmed that the men remain in custody. They also stated that officers would continue to be present in the south Belfast area this evening, and a full robust investigation would be conducted.