Pro-Palestine protestors occupy Abercromby Square again

A city square at the University of Liverpool has been occupied by pro-Palestine protesters for the second time in less than a year. The protest began on March 19 in Abercromby Square, where students from Alareer Square Liverpool are calling for the university to support Palestinian education and cut ties with companies linked to arms manufacturing in the Middle East. The university has requested that protesters vacate the square. They stated that while they respect the right to protest, the occupation makes the space "inaccessible" to others. The university is working on plans to clear the area. Abercromby Square was also occupied by protesters last May with similar demands. Protesters have unofficially renamed the square "Alareer Square" in memory of Refaat Alareer, a Palestinian professor and activist who was killed in an airstrike in December 2023. The university issued a letter asking protesters to leave within 24 hours. It emphasized that the square is private land and complaints have been made about intimidation and disruption caused by the protest. The university warned that staying in the square could lead to disciplinary action for students. Despite this, the protest continues with tents, banners labeling the area a "liberated zone," and various activities, including lectures and community meals for Ramadan. The university reiterated its commitment to balancing the right to protest with maintaining a functional campus space for all members of the university community.