Heavy handed police break up Glasgow University occupation
Photo by Gavin Reynolds
Curran demands answers from police and university on occupation bust
SSP Press Statement - 22-03-2011
Former MSP Frances Curran today demanded answers on the paramilitary style operation to end the occupation of the Hetherington building at Glasgow University.
She said; “Students, university staff and the wider public need some hard answers about this totally over the top action by Strathclyde Police.
“Firstly the colossal cost of this activity in police time and resources needs to be made public, particularly since it took place as parliament was dissolved to dodge public scrutiny.
“Secondly we need to be told who planned and authorised this heavy handed action. Claims to members of the public from Principal Muscatelli’s office that they did not know of the action are quite simply fantastic and unbelievable
“Strathclyde Police did not get up this morning and decide it was a nice day to break an occupation. This was a planned paramilitary style action against peaceful protestors who posed no risk to the public.
“All those involved in both the University hierarchy and the senior levels of Strathclyde Police must give a full account of their actions, how much they cost and how they justify what looks like a scandalous misuse of public funds to retake a closed building.
“If the democratic structures of Glasgow University have any meaning left then they must call those responsible for this disreputable action to account.”