New York City, NY – Tensions at Columbia University have reached a boiling point as campus actionists face aggressive crackdowns from public safety and police forces. Protesters, who have established the Basel Al-Araj Liberated Zone, are reportedly being kettled—a crowd-control tactic where demonstrators are confined in a small area—and violently arrested as authorities attempt to dismantle the zone.
The liberated zone, named after Palestinian activist and intellectual Basel Al-Araj, was established as a symbol of resistance and solidarity with global liberation movements. Activists claim the space is meant to serve as a hub for community organizing, open dialogue, and political education.
However, the university administration and law enforcement have labeled the occupation a threat to campus operations, sparking the current conflict. Eyewitnesses report several violent arrests have already taken place, with police and public safety officials allegedly using excessive force.
Videos circulating on social media show scuffles, detained protesters, and chants demanding an end to police aggression. Organizers are calling for immediate support and urging allies to rally in front of Butler Library or, for those unable to enter campus, to mobilize at 116th Street and Broadway.
“This is not just about Columbia,” one student organizer said. “It’s about resisting state violence and standing in solidarity with oppressed people everywhere.
The Basel Al-Araj zone is a symbol of that fight.” Calls to action are spreading rapidly across social platforms, with hashtags like #LiberatedZone, #ColumbiaProtests, and #BaselAlAraj trending as students, alumni, and activists demand accountability.
Organizers are also urging journalists, human rights observers, and legal advocates to document and respond to the unfolding situation. As the standoff intensifies, questions grow about the university’s handling of the protests, the role of law enforcement on campus, and broader issues of free speech and political expression in higher education settings.
All eyes are now on Columbia as the conflict enters a critical phase.
