The protest was, by some way, the longest the university has seen in a very long time. The turn-out was particularly impressive given the fact that it was raining for much of the time. Despite the large numbers in attendance, when assembled inside the Trent Building, protesters were so quiet that it was possible to hear birds singing.

Banners with messages such as ‘protect academic freedom’, ‘Right to research’, and ‘Free Hich’ were on display. Snacks, ‘Free Hich’ T-shirts and copies of Ceasefire (the peace movement journal of which Hicham is editor), were on sale to help raise money to cover Hichams’ legal costs.

The police were notable by their absence at the demonstration. There were a number of security staff at the Trent Building, dressed in fluorescent jackets, but they remained inside, away from the bulk of the protesters.

Hicham was called and addressed the protestors from detention. Hicham said, “I am humbled and buoyed by all the support I have received, and my spirits are high. Thank you everyone, you are a credit to Nottingham.”

The demonstrators are demanding that the university offers full support to their employee, Hicham, who has made immense contributions to Nottingham life. The event successfully highlighted the outrage felt by large portions of Nottingham over the Home Offices’ rushed and unjust attempt to deport such a valued member of the academic community, without a fair haring in a court of law.

Given the high profile nature of this story, there was extensive media coverage including Central TV, BBC Midlands, BBC Nottingham and the Evening Post (more here).