Kings College London student reinstated after suspension over pro-Palestine views

King’s College London Lifts Suspension of Egyptian Student Amid Controversy Over Pro-Palestine Activism

A 22-year-old Egyptian student, Usama Ghanem, has been reinstated to King’s College London (KCL) after being suspended last year due to his involvement in pro-Palestine campus activism. The university lifted the suspension late last month, allowing Ghanem to complete his international studies degree.

According to a May 2025 letter addressed to Ghanem, KCL accused him of several instances of non-academic misconduct, including “acting in an intimidating and hostile manner”, disrupting an event, “procedural breaches” and “causing a health and safety concern”. The university also stated that Ghanem would need to return to his home country during the period of suspension.

Ghanem’s visa was revoked as a result of the disciplinary action, but he had claimed that he risked persecution if he returned due to previous detention in Egypt over his activism. After taking legal action against the university and accepting delays to his studies, Ghanem stated that he would continue to advocate for Palestine.

The controversy surrounding Ghanem’s suspension has sparked criticism from student groups and campaign organizations, including Cage and the Association of Student Activism for Palestine (ASAP). The European Legal Support Center had previously documented widespread repression of students, academics, and teachers who have shown solidarity with Palestine.

A university spokesperson stated that KCL had “upheld the original reasons” for Ghanem’s suspension but determined that he had met the conditions agreed for suspension and that re-enrolment was therefore the appropriate outcome. The university denied disciplining students for activism and claimed that decisions on visa sponsorship are not made by KCL.

Ghanem stated that he believed the university had overreached in its actions, citing evidence of monitoring by a private firm, Horus, which appeared to have informed the university of upcoming demonstrations in support of the expelled student.

Source: Al Jazeera