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U.N. Condemns Sentencing of Students for Pro-Palestinian Protest

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.N. human rights experts protested to Switzerland over the sentencing of five ETH Zurich students for trespassing during pro-Palestinian protests.
The students participated in a peaceful sit-in in May 2024, opposing the university's ties with Israeli institutions.
The U.N. stated that activism should not be criminalized, highlighting the impact of suspended fines and legal fees on the students' future employment.
Ten additional students await sentencing, while two were acquitted.
The Swiss government and ETH Zurich have not responded to inquiries.

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Story summary

U.N. human rights experts protested to Switzerland over the sentencing of five ETH Zurich students for trespassing during pro-Palestinian protests.
The students participated in a peaceful sit-in in May 2024, opposing the university's ties with Israeli institutions.
The U.N. stated that activism should not be criminalized, highlighting the impact of suspended fines and legal fees on the students' future employment.
Ten additional students await sentencing, while two were acquitted.
The Swiss government and ETH Zurich have not responded to inquiries.