Cardiff University accused of ‘spying’ on pro-Palestine students and staff

Cardiff University has been accused of surveilling students and staff who have shown support for Palestine via protests, and has reportedly been handing over information to the police in the last year.

The university has denied the allegations, which arose after 144 emails were distributed to Caerdydd Students 4 Palestine as requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

In the emails, university officials and police representatives can be seen corresponding about certain incidents involving the group.

One of the conversations inquired about an incident outside of Cardiff Bay police station, which surmounted to an arrest of students and a member of the university’s staff. They were later released on bail.

In one email, which was sent prior to a protest in May 2024, South Wales Police spoke with the university about certain “social media sources” being sent over to “see what else they can pick up”.

According to Nation Cymru, that same month, an email from the police to Cardiff University said: “Morning. Just for info, one of the main people who organises this Saturday protest events has appeared on Instagram this morning heading to Egypt. However, there are plenty of others that do take the lead otherwise.”

Students protesting in May 2024

However, prior to May, the police also contacted the uni asking about the number of Iranian students enrolled there, in which they confirmed there are 84 who identify as Iranian as a national or dual-national.

Some of these exchanges have been deemed as “wholly inappropriate” by those involved, according to Nation Cymru.

June 2024 also saw South Wales Police communicating with Cardiff University, however this time it regarded an approaching Palestine Solidarity Campaign event.

Most Read

The real-life event that inspired main character Gi-hun’s entire story in Squid Game

Does this insane theory prove Player 149 is actually the mastermind behind Squid Game?

This wild theory about Player 001 in Squid Game has completely blown my mind

This email stated: “Unions are demanding action against universities and Barclays bank on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 of June.

“Various pro-Palestine groups, trade unions and other activist groups are planning to hold protests…due to their links with arms companies and investment funds that support Israel.

“Assessment: We are monitoring numerous sources and it’s likely a number of universities will be targeted. There is likely to be a fairly substantial turnout based on other recent demonstrations across the HE sector.

“The size of the protest combined with the potentially inflammatory and emotional nature of the cause for pro-Palestine supporters means disruption is possible.”

They also disclosed a discussion about a pro-Palestine student having been “managed very well by Cardiff University security” in July 2024, around the time of the university’s graduation ceremonies.

Students protesting outside Cardiff University’s Main Building in November 2024

According to The New Arab, a student held a Palestinian flag as they crossed the graduation stage, which the university reported in an email to the police.

The sender said: “We think [redacted] might have been planning something but [redacted] had words before today’s ceremony and [redacted] only ended up showing a Palestine flag while crossing the stage. Very grateful for all the support. Best regards [redacted].”

A Cardiff University spokesperson told The Cardiff Tab: “We recognise that freedom of speech within the law is an important right and a cornerstone of a democratic society, and academic freedom as a separate specific right for academics is also recognised and supported by the university.

“We reject entirely the suggestion that we have “spied” or have put our staff or students “under surveillance”. We enjoy a good working relationship with South Wales Police’s university liaison team.

“Where appropriate this involves the exchange of relevant information. This is not unique to Cardiff University. It helps ensure the safety of all our University community, which remains our ultimate priority.”

A member of the university’s Senate and executive committee member of the Cardiff University branch of the University and College Union, Dr Andy Buerki, spoke to Nation Cymru following the release of these emails.

He told the news service that due to the amount of redactions and the given content, there is no “smoking gun” in the emails to evidence for any illegal activity. Although, he is in support of peaceful protests to show solidarity with Palestine.

However, Dr Buerki did say that there is “clearly a very cosy relationship between the university, particularly its security department, and South Wales Police”.

He also added that whilst not illegal, the “spying on individuals who have done nothing wrong and have committed no offence” is “quite awful and has a chilling effect.”

The Cardiff Tab also corresponded with a spokesperson for South Wales Police, who said: “South Wales Police supports the right for people to make their voices heard through protest providing it is done lawfully. Decisions about how to police protests requires consideration of complex and often competing rights and issues.

“We strive to strike a balance in our policing approach and take measures to ensure that the rights of all parties are respected and upheld. However, we will act against anyone who breaks the law, whether this is at the time of the offence or retrospectively.

“South Wales Police is open to dialogue and collaboration with advocacy groups to address any concerns about the policing of protest activity and ensure that policing practices reflect the values of fairness, equality and justice.”