Public Prosecution Service: no prosecution of Palestinian student in Maastricht over video

The Public Prosecution Service will not launch a criminal investigation into a Palestinian student at Maastricht University. He made a video that caused controversy, after which he was also suspended.

The student, who is from Gaza, posted a video on Instagram showing him watching an Al Jazeera broadcast. As images of Palestinians in military clothing appear, he says: “7 October. This is me.”

The man studies at Maastricht University, but has been suspended for the time being. The video caused controversy and led some to question whether he had taken part in Hamas’s attack on Israel in 2023.

The Public Prosecution Service has reviewed the case, but will not launch any further criminal investigation. A statement says police found no evidence that the student was involved in the attack on 7 October 2023. There was also no evidence of glorifying terrorism or incitement, both of which are criminal offences.

In talks

The university has spoken to him. He is said to have told the university that it was a misunderstanding. Further questions from university newspaper Observant about this misunderstanding have gone unanswered.

The UM statement says the university will talk ‘with the student and others involved’ about how he can resume his studies.