Economy

Violence at the Einaudi Campus in Turin, an event against anti -Semitism stormed

An event against anti-Semitism at the Einaudi Campus in Turin was interrupted by a violent raid of pro-Palestine activists. Physical aggressions and intimidation prevented the debate, questioning the academic freedom and security of students

A serious episode of violence occurred at the Campus Luigi Einaudi of the University of Turinputting at risk not only the physical security of the participants, but also the principles of academic freedom and expression. The event “For universities as a place of democracy and contrasting anti -Semitism”promoted by some student associations, was interrupted by a group of Pro-Palestine activists which broke into the designated classroom for the conference.

The group – described as organized and intent on preventing the development of the initiative – shouted Slogan, including “Intifada”and physically attacked some promoters, coming to threaten, insult and even spit on those present. A cell phone would have been subtracted from one of the organizers, presumably to prevent the documentation of violence.

The organizers of the meeting, including the Union of Youth Jews of Italy (Ugei), students for freedoms, liberal students and students for Israel, denounce an attack deliberated to freedom of expression. “Any attempt to dialogue has been annihilated with violence”we read in their note, “By transforming the university from a place of comparison to the theater of intimidation and repression”.

The press release underlines how the university should remain a safe and free space for everyone, regardless of political or religious opinions. “Silence, in the face of these episodes, is not neutrality: it is complicity”say the promoters, launching an appeal to the entire academic community and institutions so that they do not remain indifferent.

Pending any official positions from the University of Turin and the competent authorities, the episode raises disturbing questions about the climate within Italian universities and on the ability of academic institutions to guarantee freedom of speech for everyone.