University condemns Palestine Action paint protest

The protesters vowed to escalate direct actions, targeting the university's financial interests and reputation in their call for full divestment and accountability

The University of Cambridge has "condemned" an act of vandalism after red paint was sprayed on one of its historic buildings.

Palestine Action said students, in collaboration with the group, marked the office which manages Cambridge University's Endowment Fund, The Old Schools on Trinity Lane.

The action followed an injunction, granted by a High Court judge last week, aimed at preventing pro-Palestinian demonstrators from disrupting a graduation ceremony.

A spokesperson from the university said: "We strongly condemn this vandalism of University property. The police have been informed."

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the graffiti had been reported as criminal damage

Palestine Action said activists wanted full disclosure of the university's investments and the immediate divestment from "companies complicit in war crimes and the Israeli apartheid regime".

A spokesperson from the group said: "Each life lost in Palestine is a human being with dreams, loved ones, and a future stolen.

"As long as the university continues to profit from violence, we will continue to take action in solidarity with Palestinians who endure daily oppression and destruction."

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed a crime had been raised for criminal damage to the building.