Viva la Hetherington Libra!

The occupation of the Hetherington Research Club at Glasgow University entered its third day today, and continues to go from strength to strength.

The club is now a fully functioning social and educational space, with an ever-expanding schedule of meetings, film showings, discussion groups, workshops and more.

Yesterday, the occupation was privileged to get a visit from Iraq veteran and US anti-war activist Mike Prysner, who packed out the top floor of the building in the afternoon for his talk. Mike spoke about how he’d joined the army believing it to a force for good, but how his experiences in Iraq had rapidly led him to realise the true role of the military in the country, with his unit despatched to protect oil wells and corporate interests, much less help the Iraqi people. Now an organiser with March Forward!, Mike agitates and organises among US soldiers. We also heard from Hasan Nowarah, a Palestinian human rights activist who was on board the aid-ship convoy attacked by Israeli commandos last May.

Today the occupation really came into its own. As word spreads around campus, and across the city, that the Hetherington is re-open, more and more people, staff, students and well-wishers, are dropping by. Some are just curious, some are after the free tea and coffee we’re offering, others are keen to find a quiet place to study. The Free Hetherington has already become an important part of the uni, and long may it thrive!

A full list of events is available on a calendar here, and check out the facebook page for regular updates of what’s happening.