Cape Town - The case against a Stellenbosch University (SU) medical student and qualified paramedic who is under investigation by the University's Equality Unit on accusations of genocidal remarks via his Twitter account, has been referred to the Student Disciplinary Committee, while the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has confirmed they were probing the matter.
Barry Barling made headlines in July after he allegedly made genocidal remarks via his X (formerly known as Twitter) account, apparently against Palestinians, calling on a nuclear weapon to remove them from Gaza.
Since the investigation, Barling has either removed or locked his social media accounts and could not be reached again for comment this week.
Earlier, in his response to Weekend Argus he said the screenshots which were circulating were replies to threads and were taken out of context.
More than two months since the investigation began, SU confirmed the matter was still ongoing and that the nature of the remarks was not a reflection of what the university stood for.
“In accordance with the relevant protocol, the matter was referred to the University's Equality Unit who has completed its processes. The Equality Unit referred the matter to the Office of Student Discipline.
“The matter is currently dealt with by Student Discipline in accordance with the provisions of the Student Disciplinary Code.
“The university again recognises the severity and far-reaching impact of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.
“It also acknowledges that this humanitarian crisis has a devastating impact in the region as well as globally and the university has repeatedly expressed its sympathy for all those affected.”
Barling identified himself as a “Medical Student, Entrepreneur, Emergency Medicine Enthusiast, App Dev, Party Liaison, Paramedic, Adrenalin Addict, Hero, Friend, Eternal Student, Impressario”, as written on his profile.
Barling is a medical student at the university and is training to become a medical doctor.
Stop Arab Hate, via their Twitter account were one of the first to raise the flag on his alleged remarks.
In a few of the alleged posts, he was quoted as saying: “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.”
Also, “You want to see genocide and ethnic cleansing, I'm sure I can chat to Bibi to give you what you have been saying all along, 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.”
Priscilla Sekhonyana, communications manager for HPCSA, also confirmed they were investigating the case after it was reported.
“A practitioner registered with the HPCSA is obligated to always act professional and ethical,” she stated.
“Practitioners are informed against making unsubstantiated negative comments about individuals or organisations, making informal and derogatory comments, and making comments that can be perceived as racist, sexist, homophobic or otherwise prejudiced, even if meant in jest or as satire.”
Barling's rant on social media has been met with outrage by South Africans and the wider Pro-Palestinian organisations and communities.
The South African Jewish Board also condemned the form of hate speech.
Daniel Bloch Executive Director, Cape SAJBD said they were supportive of the processes and that places of learning were not to be abused for a platform of hate speech.
“University campuses around the country are not immune to the tensions spilling over in the Middle East with students and staff debating and arguing over the merits of this war,” he said.
“However, regardless of one’s views, opinions or beliefs, hate speech and discrimination cannot be justified, nor should it be tolerated in any form.
“The Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies, calls on all students, academics and University leadership, to ensure that campuses remain a safe space for education, debate and freedom of expression.”
Professor Usuf Chikte, PSC Co-ordinator, Palestine Solidarity Campaign said they were displeased that the investigation had not been concluded as it shows a form of injustice to the Palestinian community.
“Several months have elapsed since the genocidal, Islamophobic and misogynistic statements were attributed to the culprit who still struts around freely and unashamedly at Stellenbosch University where it seems Herrenvolkism, apartheid and genocide are being tolerated,” he said.
“This delay in justice and accountability is untenable.
“It is a crying shame and utter disgrace that Stellenbosch University does not dissociate itself unconditionally and unambiguously from such conduct but instead their academics play the role of quislings in the systematic discrimination and extermination of Palestinians by Israel, a racist ethnonationalist state.”
The matter was also reported to The SA Health Workers for Palestine (HCW4P) who earlier said Barling’s alleged inappropriate behaviour raised serious questions about his practice and training.
Dr Feroza Amien of HCW4P said this week: “We urge the Office of Student Discipline at Stellenbosch University to seriously consider the grave implications of allowing Barry Barling to continue his studies.
“To do so would be a disservice to the public and a betrayal of the fundamental values that underpin the medical profession.
“It is imperative that the university takes a decisive stand to ensure that future healthcare providers are individuals who truly uphold the ethos of saving lives and advocating for all patients.”