Statement circulated by the Student Union at SOAS before Verges cried off
Published on Friday, 03 February 2012 21:55 Written by Union of Jewish Students
As you might be aware, on February 3rd, SOAS will host a panel debate titled “International Justice: Between Impunity and Show Trials”, which will feature Jacques Verges as a panel member, alongside Dr. Martti Koskenniemi.
Whilst recognising the importance of academic debate and Mr. Verges' professional knowledge of the topic discussed, we are concerned about SOAS' decision to invite him and allow him as a speaker on the panel. Mr. Verges has been known for defending notorious clients in international trials, including terrorists and war criminals, including former Khmer Rouge head of state Khieu Samphan, Holocaust denier Roger Garaudy, Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie, and international terrorist Ilich Ramírez Sánchez. Verges has also publicly denied the occurrence of the Cambodian genocide under the Khmer Rouge regime.
We have concerns that his participation in a debate hosted by SOAS and the views he might express could make some of our students feel uncomfortable or offended, and that it is important in light of our duty of care towards our students to guarantee their safe space and therefore raise awareness of this event.
If you are concerned about this event and the impact it could have on your welfare, please get in touch with the Students' Union (suwelfare@soas.ac.uk). We are also in the process of contacting SOAS' management asking them to explain and justify to the SOAS community their decision to allow the participation of Verges in this debate. We are urging them to make future decision processes regarding the participation of controversial speakers more transparent and to actively involve the Students' Union in light of any potential negative impact these events could have on students' welfare.