International Students at Birzeit University Speak Out Against the Arrest of Birzeit Students By the Security Forces

The following press release was issued today by international students studying at Birzeit University:

"We, the international students of Birzeit University, express our deep concern over the arrest of Birzeit students following the Jospin incident on Saturday, February 26. The arrests represent a violation of the sovereignty and independence of the university."

"While not condoning the use of violence as a means of protest, we feel that students have a right to gather and express their views on legitimate political issues without fear of intervention by external forces."

"We international students express our solidarity with the students and staff of Birzeit University. We call on the PNA security forces to release the students in recognition of the due jurisdiction of the university over its own affairs."