Free speech suppression allegations in US and UK

Allegations have been made regarding the suppression of pro-Palestinian free speech in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the UK, thirteen universities are reportedly working with BAE Systems to manage campus protests. Six specific institutions—Birmingham, Manchester, Nottingham, Strathclyde, Southampton, and Cranfield—receive $20 million annually as designated ‘strategic partners’ of the armaments corporation.

United Nations special rapporteur Gina Romero has noted that armaments producers may use university administrations to suppress dissent regarding corporate complicity in the conflict in Palestine.

In the United States, New York City police arrested students protesting against Benjamin Netanyahu during his presence at the United Nations. While the UN General Assembly members staged a walkout to protest Netanyahu’s presence, the arrests focused on those protesting outside the assembly.