LOS ANGELES: Police thwarted attempts by pro-Palestinian demonstrators to set up a new encampment at the University of California, Los Angeles, where officers cleared a previous camp this spring after it was attacked by counterprotesters.
Approximately 25 people were arrested late Monday for willful disruption of university operations and one for interfering with an officer, UCLA police said in a statement. The individuals were cited, issued 14-day orders to stay away from UCLA and then released.
The demonstrators repeatedly tried to set up tents, canopies and barriers as they moved to various locations, disrupting nearby final exams. The group also damaged a fountain, spray-painted brick walkways, tampered with fire safety equipment, damaged patio furniture, stripped wire from electrical fixtures and vandalized vehicles, the statement said.
Protest camps have sprung up on university campuses across the US and in Europe as students demand their universities stop doing business with Israel or companies that support its war efforts. Organizers have sought to amplify calls to end Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which they describe as a genocide against the Palestinians.
UCLA has been repeatedly roiled by protests and the university administration’s handling of the situation.
At one point, a pro-Palestinian encampment was attacked by counterprotesters, with no immediate response from police, and dozens were then arrested as the camp was cleared. The episode led to reassignment of the campus police chief and creation of a new campus safety office. A subsequent attempt to set up a new camp was also blocked.
Monday’s protest comes just days before University of California regents are scheduled to meet at UCLA and this coming weekend’s commencement ceremonies.
Dozens arrested in new pro-Palestinian protests at University of California, Los Angeles
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Dozens arrested in new pro-Palestinian protests at University of California, Los Angeles
- Approximately 25 people were arrested late Monday for willful disruption of university operations
- The demonstrators repeatedly tried to set up tents, canopies and barriers as they moved to various locations, disrupting nearby final exams
UK cyclists to ride from Makkah to Madinah to fundraise for children in Africa
- H&K Cycle Club to travel through Hejaz region for fifth successive year, aim to raise £1m
- ‘Every kilometer we ride is fueled by the strength of the children we ride for,’ says head of club
LONDON: A cycling team from London will undertake a journey of 550 km from Makkah to Madinah in Saudi Arabia later this month to raise funds for children in Africa with congenital heart defects.
The H&K Cycle Club will take on the challenge through the Hejaz region for the fifth successive year, aiming to raise £1 million (SR5 million) after raising over £750,000 for lifesaving surgeries last year.
Shamsul Abdin, the head of the H&K Cycle Club, said: “Every kilometer we ride is fueled by the strength of the children we ride for. Their courage inspires us to push through the most punishing moments.”
Abdin was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in December for his contribution to charitable fundraising.
He added: “This fifth anniversary ride is more than a milestone: it’s a celebration of hope, perseverance, and the lives we’ve been able to save together.”
The cyclists expect to face scorching heat, brutal headwinds, dangerous highways and physical exhaustion. For many riders, this will be their fifth ride in Hejaz, Abdin said.
Funds raised will support Muntada Aid’s Little Hearts project, which provides free, lifesaving surgeries for children across Africa. The project has helped nearly 3,500 children in 15 countries since its inception in 2012.
Kabir Miah, programs manager at Muntada Aid, said: “Every pound raised gives a child the chance to live a long and healthy life.”
