King’s College London student reinstatement

Usama Ghanem, a 22-year-old Egyptian student, has been reinstated at King’s College London (KCL) following an 18-month suspension related to his involvement in pro-Palestinian activism. Ghanem had previously faced allegations of non-academic misconduct, including intimidating behavior and disrupting events, which led to the revocation of his student visa.

Investigations into the suspension revealed that KCL utilized Horus Security Consultancy Ltd, a firm operated by former military intelligence officials, to monitor campus activity. Data indicated that the firm provided the university with intelligence regarding student campaigns for Ghanem’s reinstatement, including protest timings and attendance. KCL defended the use of the firm as a “horizon scanning tool” intended to ensure campus safety and legal compliance, asserting that the information collected was publicly available.

In its decision to reinstate Ghanem, the university stated that he had met necessary requirements and that there was “no reason for your suspension or exclusion to remain in effect,” noting that no violations were found. KCL has initiated the process to restore his visa sponsorship for the 2026/27 academic year. Ghanem described the reinstatement as a “major precedent” for students advocating for Palestinian rights.