Protest 10 June 2025 - Update 3

The occupation of the university building in Maastricht’s city centre was brought to an end by police at the end of the day.

Throughout the day, Maastricht University (UM) had no clear insight into what was happening inside the occupied building or whether the safety of the approximately 20 occupiers, as well as the building itself, could be guaranteed. What was visible, however, was that around 10:30 a.m., occupiers lit flares in open windows. This significantly increased concerns about safety.

Late in the afternoon, UM was able to establish contact with representatives of the occupiers. However, this did not lead to access to the building, meaning the situation inside could not be assessed. As a result, it also remained unclear whether the occupiers were members of the UM community.

At the end of the day, the police proceeded to end the occupation of the university building in Maastricht’s city centre.

At around 6:00 p.m., the Executive Board made one final attempt to invite the occupiers for a conversation, on the condition that the occupation be ended. This invitation was not answered.

Consequently, the Executive Board felt compelled to issue a formal order for the occupiers to vacate the premises. That too received no response. Following a final police warning, the eviction began at 7:00 p.m.

The Executive Board deeply regrets that it had to take this step: 

“Of course, we fully understand and share the emotions stirred by the genocidal violence in Gaza. In recent weeks, we have seen several peaceful demonstrations. Unfortunately, today’s situation was different. We were no longer able to ensure safety.”

In its decision to end the occupation, UM also took into account the guidelines recently issued by the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights (SIM).

According to SIM, the right to protest may include building occupations. However, not all occupations must be tolerated. The following criteria and rules may serve as guidelines:

1. The core activities of education and research must not be seriously disrupted. After all, the university has a legal obligation to provide education and conduct research.
2. Safety and health, of protesters and others, must always be ensured. Security personnel and relevant authorities must have unrestricted access to the site to guarantee fire and evacuation safety.

3. Violence, vandalism, discrimination, incitement to hatred, or other criminal acts will not be tolerated.

    

Whether any damage occurred will be determined following an inspection of the occupied building. It is already clear that the first two conditions mentioned above were not met. After careful consideration by the Crisis Management Team and in consultation with the “triangle” (mayor, public prosecutor, and police), the Executive Board decided to have the occupation ended.

The Executive Board hopes to remain in dialogue with UM students and staff in the coming period, to discuss criticism, concerns, and questions. A first plenary session is planned for this Thursday afternoon, in the form of an impromptu ‘Ask Me Anything session’. An invitation will follow soon.

Practical information
The building at Zwingelput in Maastricht will remain closed tomorrow, Wednesday 11 June. Faculties and other units may implement additional measures to ensure the continuity of core activities.