Why it matters:
The protest against King’s College London (KCL) is part of a growing movement in British universities, where students are voicing concern over the increasing suppression of pro-Palestinian activism. With the revocation of Usama Ghanem's visa, many fear a trend of targeting individuals who speak out against Zionism and in support of Palestine.
What's happened:
On November 26, 2025, around 200 students and supporters gathered outside King’s College London to protest the university's decision to revoke the visa of Usama Ghanem, a second-year international student involved in campus activism. The protest, organized by student groups, highlighted Ghanem's situation as part of a larger crackdown on anti-Zionist voices in higher education. Demonstrators warned that Ghanem’s deportation could lead to imprisonment in Egypt, where his family has faced political persecution and torture.
The big picture:
Usama Ghanem's case is being seen by many as emblematic of a wider trend of universities in the West using harsh measures to silence criticism of the Israeli regime and advocacy for Palestinian rights. As students rallied in his defense, they decried the university's decision as a chilling precedent for future activism.
What we're hearing:
Usama Ghanem, who spoke at the protest, argued that the university's actions were not just about him, but part of a larger pattern of silencing pro-Palestinian voices on campuses. He emphasized that Palestinians’ resistance to oppression "for over 76 years" is central to their fight.
Ghanem criticized the "clear double standard" at KCL, where he said students advocating for justice are punished while others promoting oppressive policies are not held accountable.
Despite the uncertainty of his future, Ghanem warned that the university was setting a dangerous precedent by targeting those speaking out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He stressed the need for universities to protect freedom of speech, especially for students advocating for marginalized communities.
Zoom in:
- Ghanem’s activism includes his involvement in campus protests and vocal opposition to Zionist rhetoric. He has faced previous suspensions and threats to his student status following his participation in demonstrations and challenges to pro-Zionist speakers.
The big picture:
The incident at King’s College London follows a series of similar cases across British universities, where pro-Palestinian students have faced disciplinary actions. Critics argue that universities are increasingly prioritizing the interests of Zionist lobby groups over the protection of free speech, particularly when it comes to discussions about the Israeli regime and Palestinian rights. Ghanem’s case has become a flashpoint for these debates, with activists fearing that the silencing of voices critical of the Israeli regime could spread across campuses.
Go deeper:
As the situation unfolds, it raises broader questions about the role of universities in fostering open debate and the protection of students' rights to express their political views without fear of retribution.
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M.Majdi - seyed mohammad kazemi
