Ariel University’s inclusion has triggered protests at a time when global opinion is inflamed by Israel’s assault on Gaza. Responding to mounting pressure, Panteion University announced it would withdraw from the conference, declaring that it could not cooperate with institutions linked to violations of international law.
In its formal announcement, the Senate recalled that in March 2021 it had approved Panteion’s co-organisation of the conference as part of efforts to foster international academic collaboration. It now stated that, in light of ‘dramatic developments in the international situation’, the university would no longer lend its auspices to the event.
‘Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences has a long history in the defence of human rights, in the struggle against racism and fascism, and in the cultivation of academic ethics,’ the Senate said.
‘It therefore does not wish to collaborate or cooperate with institutions that directly or indirectly legitimise policies which, in the current situation, support war crimes.’
The statement acknowledged the ‘significant scientific work’ of the European Society of Criminology and the contributions of its members, noting that the conference would include prominent speakers from Greece and abroad. But it added: ‘In a critical international context, there is no such thing as evaluative neutrality in the face of war crimes. Panteion University assumes the minimum responsibility it owes by withdrawing its patronage.’
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