UTPD completes investigation into Yassin Terou’s complaint

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – University of Tennessee police said they have settled a complaint filed after officers arrested several people at a pro-Palestinian demonstration on UT’s campus in May.

Yassin Terou was handcuffed and led into a prisoner transport van after a group attending the vigil were warned that they were in an unauthorized area and had 10 minutes to leave. Terou said he tried to speak to police and asked if they could briefly use the area to commemorate Palestinians and uprooted communities killed during the Nakba.

He was then arrested along with 10 other people, including three students. The university said he was not affiliated with UT. At the time, a website for the Institute of Religious Studies said he was a member of the Board of Visitors. A few days later, the website was no longer available.

He later said on social media that he had filed an official complaint about the arrest. He said officers aggravated existing nerve damage during the arrest, which is why his arm needed a sling. After his arrest, he spent part of the night in the hospital, Terou said.

UT also released a statement regarding Terou’s complaint, which is available below.

“Mr Terou filled out a complaint form and contacted our department. We will follow our process and investigate any concerns brought to our attention. All events from Wednesday, May 15, 2024, will be fully documented by bodycam. According to the guidelines Release the complaint form until the investigation is completed.”

RELATED TOPIC: Yassin Terou files complaint with UTPD after arrest during Nakba Day vigil

After an internal investigation, the UTPD stated that no violations of the guidelines had occurred.

A statement from Terou’s attorney said Terou is exploring his options to serve UT and the Knoxville community.

“He looks forward to the day when peaceful protests are no longer necessary to convey messages of peace, unity and humanity,” the statement said.