Amnesty alleges UK universities restricted Palestine protests

Amnesty International says restrictions on Palestine-related protest at some UK universities have harmed students’ education and prospects, and may have breached protections for political expression and peaceful assembly. Its report, published October 20, examined 26 university case studies and protest policies at 132 institutions, while warning that findings at individual universities should not be assumed to apply across the sector. The report’s main review covered events from October 7, 2023, to September 30, 2025. Amnesty said students and academics had faced suspensions, campus bans, degree withdrawals and threats to their visa status over actions including chanting, clapping and wearing keffiyehs. It said visibly Muslim people and those displaying Palestinian identity were disproportionately affected. In some cases, sanctions were imposed before disciplinary hearings had concluded, the organisation said. Amnesty described universities cancelling events, closing encampments and treating peaceful demonstrations as disruption or trespass. It said some institutions used broad disciplinary rules, required advance approval for protests or sought injunctions restricting...