A Stellenbosch University medical student and qualified paramedic is being investigated by the university’s Equality Unit after using his X account to allegedly “incite violence” and make “genocidal” remarks about Palestinians by apparently calling for a nuclear weapon to remove them from Gaza.
Barry Barling’s post was followed by outrage from South Africans and wider pro-Palestinian organisations, reports Cape Argus.
In response, Barling said: “The screenshots … were replies in threads and are missing other posts which give important context … I am unable to comment further due to ongoing proceedings.”
Priscilla Sekhonyana of the Health Professions Council of SA said they were preparing a response.
The SA Health Workers for Palestine said it was made aware of the remarks and that it was reported to the university and the HPCSA. The SA Jewish Board (SAJB) has also condemned the remarks.
In a response to Weekend Argus, SU confirmed an inquiry had been opened, and that the university’s Equality Unit was conducting a preliminary assessment and obtaining statements.
Stop Arab Hate, via their X account, had red-flagged the alleged remarks, in which Barling allegedly said: “Can’t there be a nuclear meltdown in the Gaza strip so the land is uninhabitable? Then the ‘Palestinians’ will have to go somewhere else.
“You want to see genocide and ethnic cleansing, I’m sure I can chat to Bibi to give you what you have been saying … cos what is happening in Gaza is definitely not genocide nor ethnic cleansing. But wait … that will never happen, because to Jews life is sacred.”
Chairperson of HCW4P SA Saadiq Moolla said: “The comments … are dangerous and highly inappropriate for someone in the healthcare field, raising serious red flags ….”
Cape Argus PressReader article – SU Equality Unit probes med student (Open access)
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