Four people have been arrested during a pro-Palestine demonstration which took place as Hillary Clinton visited Belfast.
The rally coincided with the third day of an international conference taking place on the campus which was attended by the former US Secretary of State and has been condemned by Queen’s University Belfast.
Politicians including the First and deputy First Ministers, Secretary of State Hilary Benn and US special envoy Joe Kennedy were among those attending a global summit at the university.
Footage circulating on social media shows demonstrators clashing with PSNI officers at the gates of the main campus on University Road this afternoon.
QUB Palestine Assembly, which organised the protest, has also shared pictures online.
“War criminals NOT welcome,” the group posted on X.
“Join us to protest against the war criminal and genocide denier @HillaryClinton.
”Shame on you @QUBelfast.”
Police have confirmed that four men were arrested on suspicion of a range of public order offences and remain in police custody.
“Officers will remain in the south Belfast area this evening and a full robust investigation will follow in due course,” A PSNI spokesperson added.
Watch: Protesters clash with police in Belfast during Hillary Clinton visit
QUB issued a statement insisting it is “committed to freedom of expression, the right to hold a range of views and the right to a peaceful protest” which applies to students, staff, visitors and the wider public.
However, it strongly rebuked of a number of individuals taking part in the rally.
“Whilst we recognise and support any individual or group’s right to protest this must be conducted in a peaceful and respectful manner and are disappointed at the action of this small number of protestors and condemn their behaviour,” the university added.
“Today’s protest coincided with the final day of a three day international conference, the Global Innovation Summit, which brought together political, industry and academic leaders to discuss pressing issues around economic inclusion and sustainability facing our world.
“The conference itself provided a platform for people to discuss and debate different views constructively on current global issues.
“Queen’s is committed to providing an open and safe space to have difficult conversations.
“Queen’s University has led the way in response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East through calling for a ceasefire, providing scholarships for Palestinian students and divestment policies and has responded positively to the concerns of our University population where appropriate.”
‼️HAPPENING NOW.
War criminals NOT welcome.
Join us to protest against the war criminal and genocide denier @HillaryClinton.
Shame on you @QUBelfast. pic.twitter.com/fY6yIh4v4H
— QUB Palestine Assembly (@QUBPalestine) November 14, 2024
The Secretary of State shared pictures on X of him posing alongside Michelle O’Neill, Emma Little-Pengelly and Joe Kennedy on Thursday.
“Northern Ireland is renowned for its innovation and its excellence in life sciences, cyber and advanced manufacturing,” he posted.
“Making the UK a clean energy superpower is one of the five missions of the UK Government. Delighted to address.”
Earlier this year pro-Palestine students at QUB staged a peaceful ‘sit-in’ in protest against Israel and called for the removal of Mrs Clinton due to her apparent ties to Israel.
It was also organised by QUB’s Palestine Assembly whose supporters called for the university to condemn “Israel’s mass killing of Palestinians and the deliberate destruction of Gaza’s educational infrastructure”.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll was among those demonstrating in May and demanded an immediate ceasefire in the region and called on QUB to offer “sanctuary status” to Palestinian academics and students.
Activists also called for Queen’s to “review all ties” with Israeli universities, cultural institutions and its industrial sector, as well as implementing a sector-wide withdrawal of support for “companies engaged in violations of Palestinian human rights”.
QUB later confirmed those who took part would not face any repercussions.
Mrs Clinton has faced criticism over her opposition to an Israeli ceasefire shortly after the war began in October 2023 following Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel.