Skip to content

Four arrests at protest during Hillary Clinton university visit

PA Media A group of pro-Palestinian protestors standing behind a wall and hedge holding a Palestinian flag and signs. Police officers are seen on patrol and engaging with protestors.PA Media
The protest took place outside the university during Hillary Clinton's visit

Four men have been arrested for public order offences after a pro-Palestinian protest in the University Road area of south Belfast on Thursday.

It happened during a visit by the former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Queen’s University, Belfast.

Clinton was inaugurated as the university's chancellor in September 2021.

Queen's University said they "are disappointed at the action of this small number of protestors and condemn their behaviour".

Politicians including the first and deputy first ministers, Secretary of State Hilary Benn and US special envoy Joe Kennedy also attended the event.

Although the university say they "support any individual or group’s right to protest this must be conducted in a peaceful and respectful manner".

PA Media Protestors are pictured standing behind police holding a Palestinian flag and a large black and white cut out of Hilary Clinton with blood on her hands.PA Media
Protestors held Palestinian flags and a cut out of Hilary Clinton

Some protestors held a large cut-out image of Hilary Clinton with blood on her hands.

Earlier this year a group of 260 staff, alumni and students at Queen's University Belfast wrote a letter "registering profound concern" over Hillary Clinton's role as chancellor.

The open letter cited an op-ed for The Atlantic in November 2023, rejecting the call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Police officer places man in handcuffs
The police said the men remain in custody.

The police said the men remain in custody.

They added that officers will remain in the south Belfast area this evening and a full robust investigation will take place.