A still from the online video. Posters protesting the reappointment of Chinese president Xi Jinping have caused turmoil on the campus. According to social media channels, WUR and Wageningen municipality have removed the posters and are now searching for those responsible for putting them up so they can be punished. This is false, say both organisations.
The upheaval is the result of an online video showing someone ripping a protest of the notice board in Orion. Resource is unable to judge if and to what extent the video was staged. Accompanying texts state that WUR vehemently opposes the posters and is searching for those responsible for their distribution. Wageningen municipal authorities are also mentioned as wanting to address this ‘illegal and unacceptable issue’ after posters were put up outside of the campus. WUR and Wageningen municipality firmly deny the allegations.
Fake news
Spokespersons of the municipality and the university stress that they have not received any reports about the posters. They have not ordered the removal of the posters, nor are they chasing whoever have been distributing the posters, and they have no intentions whatsoever to punish anyone. The threat that the university would pass on personal data to the Chinese embassy is unfounded. ‘WUR does not divulge personal information, and never will’, says spokesperson Vincent Koperdraat.
As an educational institute, we value a safe study and work environment. Just as we value freedom of speech
WUR is concerned over the fake news incident. ‘This purposely fosters a sense of insecurity among our students and staff, and we take this very seriously. As an educational institute, we value a safe study and work environment. Just as we value freedom of speech’, says Koperdraat. WUR is investigating the source of the sedition and hopes to prevent a repetition of such incidents. The municipal authorities also take the incident seriously. ‘Rabble-rousing of this kind can easily increase the risk of polarisation’, says a municipal security official.
Political influencing
That Chinese students can be easily targeted for political influencing is nothing new. Research institute Clingendael warned in a report released in 2020 that they are frequently monitored by fellow students and/or the Chinese embassy and do not feel free to do as they please.
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