Essex University Drops Case Against Students Threatened with Expulsion Over Social Media Posts on Killing of Palestinian Resistance Leader

The University of Essex has dropped its disciplinary case against six students who were facing potential expulsion for sharing social media posts from Middle East Eye that referenced the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The investigation, launched in 2024, centered on content posted by the university’s Palestine Solidarity Society following Haniyeh’s death during a visit to Iran—a killing later confirmed by Israel. The university accused the students of violating its student code of conduct by allegedly “supporting a proscribed group,” a charge the students denied.

Evidence cited in the university’s case included Instagram posts featuring an Al Jazeera interview with Haniyeh and tributes from public figures. The posts were flagged by a Prevent coordinator and reported to police, though Essex Police eventually dropped the case.

Despite this, the university continued its internal probe, which exceeded its own 60-day investigation policy and lasted over 200 days, raising concerns it could delay the students’ graduation. One international student said the drawn-out process placed their visa and future in the UK at risk.

In a joint statement, the students—referred to as the “Essex Six”—expressed relief at the investigation’s closure, criticizing the university for pursuing baseless claims and for framing their actions as “challenging.” The panel found no evidence of harassment, no formal complainant, and no breach of conduct.

The case attracted international attention, prompting UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero to condemn the university’s actions as a violation of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. She urged UK institutions to stop equating pro-Palestinian activism with support for ‘terrorism.’

This incident comes amid growing scrutiny of pro-Palestine activism on UK campuses, with reports revealing that dozens of universities have involved police or surveillance firms in monitoring student protests linked to the Israeli War on Gaza.

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