Leuven's Justice of the Peace has ordered the pro-Palestinian activists who since May have occupied the De Valk building at the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven) to vacate the premises, in a ruling delivered on Friday 6 September.
Pro-Palestine protesters have occupied the university building, part of the faculty of law, since 13 May. KU Leuven activists joined students from VUB and ULB in Brussels in demonstration against the violence suffered by Palestinian civilians in Gaza. They call for an academic boycott of Israeli universities.
KU Leuven had previously sought to expel the activists through a summary procedure in Leuven’s Court of First Instance, arguing that the occupation was disruptive. However, the court ruled that the student occupation was peaceful and that an eviction would be "disproportionate" – a decision later upheld by the Brussels Court of Appeal.
KU Leuven then sought a judicial order from the Leuven Justice of Peace in early August to end the occupation of the De Valk building. Three students were directly summoned to appear in court.
The right to protest
During the court hearing, the university's lawyer argued that the prolonged occupation violated KU Leuven's right to property and that the building is needed for education and research, especially with the new academic year approaching.
The students have stated they would only vacate the building once their demands were met, a stance which the university's lawyer described as "a form of coercion," likening it to "thought police."
In response, the lawyer representing the students stressed their right to freedom of expression, praising their actions as socially conscious and peaceful.
A pro-Palestinian protest action by KU Leuven students, Tuesday 11 June 2024. Credit: Belga
Only one of the three summoned students, Nicolas Vallaey, was present at the court hearing. Vallaey criticised the university's approach, saying "KU Leuven supposedly holds an open dialogue in high regard but it has not responded to our emails for more than two months. They only communicate via the court. That is absolutely unworthy of a university."
About 50 students and their supporters rallied outside the courthouse on Tuesday in support of Vallaey and the two other students. Holding banners and Palestinian flags, they chanted slogans like "Free free Palestine", "No justice, no peace", and "The students united will never be defeated."
The Justice of the Peace eventually ruled that the three students activists and any other persons occupying the building or nearby land must leave.
"We are relieved that we will be able to welcome our new students in the best possible way, although we would rather not have had to go through the courts," said KU Leuven spokesperson Sigrid Somers.
Protesters have eight days to comply from the time of the judgement’s notification by a bailiff or from the posting of the ruling inside the university building. Even if the three students appeal, KU Leuven can execute the judgement immediately.
