Court Orders Removal of Pro-Palestinian Camp at VIU

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ordered pro-Palestinian protesters at Vancouver Island University to dismantle their encampment, which has been in place for over 100 days, within 72 hours. The judge issued an interim injunction limiting the protesters to a specific area, rejecting broader demands from the university, but allowing the removal of the camp for the next 150 days. The university's application claimed that the encampment disrupted campus activities and demanded acknowledgment of alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The B.C. Civil Liberties Association criticized the ruling, emphasizing the importance of protecting freedom of expression and arguing that the decision missed an opportunity to uphold Charter rights. Justice Michael Stephens characterized the university's case as strong in terms of trespass law while dismissing the protesters' defense regarding Charter implications. The ruling reflects ongoing tensions related to pro-Palestinian protests across Canadian universities.