Black Lives Matter, Providence city councilors condemn police violence against Israel divestment protesters

April 29, 2024 10:55 am

Christopher Boardman,

Students camped out on the main green at Brown University for a week calling for divestment. (WLNE)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee and Providence City Councilors Miguel Sanchez and Justin Roias released a joint statement condemning police violence against protesters calling for universities to divest from Israel.

The statement cites protests nationwide that have seen police intervention.

The statement reads in part:

We strongly condemn the escalating police violence targeting peaceful student protesters nationwide and bravely advocate for an end to the ongoing genocide of Palestinian civilians. We stand in unwavering solidarity with these students as they exercise their fundamental rights to protest
and denounce genocide.

The statement also referenced the Brown University protest encampment, now in its fifth day.

ABC6 reached out to Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. for comment.

More than 100 student protesters were arrested at Northeastern on Saturday, April 27.