Leicester Socialist Students Member Arrested During Peaceful Protest

On 6 February a Leicester Socialist Students member was arrested when taking part in a peaceful protest in support of striking university workers. He has now been released and charged over an alleged incident that took place during a Leicester University occupation in December 2013. Why have police waited almost two months to make the arrest on a day when workers and students were taking action together? The arrest is part of a concerted attempt to criminalise protest and deter people from fighting back.

Other Leicester students have also been targeted by the police. Nationally, we have seen police violence on campuses and a general assault on democratic rights. A day after the arrest, a rally was held in protest. At the same time, a sculpture was being unveiled by the vice-chancellor outside the university. Protesters took the opportunity to challenge the vice-chancellor. There’s money for statues but not for the 10% of Leicester University workers who are paid less than the living wage!

Leicester is also one of eleven universities which have docked a whole day’s pay from lecturers for every two-hour UCU strike. We will continue to stand up against this intimidation and campaign for the education we have a right to receive. Members from Socialist Students will be running for student union sabbatical officer positions. This will provide a valuable platform for our ideas, and an opportunity to forge a truly activist environment in a formerly conservative university. Elections take place on 23-26 February.