Minister urges Radboud to press charges over assistant professor’s anti-Israel tweets

Caretaker Education Minister Gouke Moes has urged Radboud University to press charges against their assistant professor of geography, Dr Harry G. Pettit, saying that his tweets “seem to constitute an incitement to violence.”

In posts on X, Pettit wrote that it was time to “finish what the Palestinians started on October 7,” and that he will not stop until Israel is “dismantled.” Moes described the remarks as “disgusting,” saying they had “crossed every possible line.”

According to Moes, “clear agreements” were made with the universities: they must file a report if there is a “suspicion of a criminal offense.” The BBB member added that it is not up to him to decide whether the tweets constitute a criminal offense.

Pettit responded, saying that it is “insane” that a minister is interfering with free speech and academic freedom. “Insane times we live in.” According to the assistant professor, everyone should be alarmed that “speaking out against a genocide makes you a public target.” He declined to comment on questions about any contact between him and Radboud University.

Pettit maintains that he has not incited violence and says he is therefore not concerned about possible charges. He claims his posts, calling to “finish what the Palestinians started on October 7,” were taken out of context. “I have never advocated violence in the Netherlands,” he said. “I merely argued that Palestinian armed resistance is justified and that Israel should be boycotted and isolated here.”

In explaining his remarks about the disappearance of Israel, he said he was referring to Israel being “historically Palestinian land” and to what he described as the country’s “loss of its right to exist by committing genocide.”

It remains uncertain whether the university will file a complaint. Radboud University has previously condemned any calls for violence while at the same time stressing the importance of maintaining a “critical dialogue.”

The university board said it cannot comment on “individual cases” due to privacy laws. It added, however, that if a staff member’s statements violate the “code of conduct,” a conversation will take place and the supervisor will take action “if needed.”

Pettit received his PHD from the London School of Economics and Political Science in February 2018. He began his position at Radboud University in 2023.