Dozens of demonstrators who blocked traffic for several hours by crossing a California bridge to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will not have to serve any jail time, prosecutors said.
In lieu of criminal charges, the 78 protesters were ordered to perform five hours of community service and pay restitution for blocking the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge during a protest in mid-November.
One protester, Aisha Nizar, said: “This is not just for those who are exercising their right to protest against tax-motivated genocide, but for the growing global movement for freedom for Palestinians.” It’s a huge win.” “This incident has made us stronger and more united in our commitment to each other and the Palestinian people.”
A total of about 200 people took part in a protest in San Francisco on November 16, during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit of President Biden and other world leaders.
Pro-Palestinian protesters block bridge in Boston, San Francisco during rush hour
Nearly 200 people participated in a November 16 protest on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge aimed at calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Demonstrators blocked all lanes into San Francisco on the upper level of the bridge, demanding that Mr. Biden call for an immediate ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas. Some drivers threw their keys into the bay.
As a result of the protests, 80 suspects were arrested and 29 vehicles were towed.
The suspects were charged with false imprisonment, refusing to obey peace officers, unlawful assembly, refusing to disperse, and obstructing roads, sidewalks, and other places open to the public.
During protests on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on November 16, 80 people were arrested and 29 cars were towed. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Prosecutors ultimately dropped one case due to insufficient evidence, according to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Another rejected the court’s pretrial diversion program.
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The remaining 78 individuals accepted the court’s offer, which included payment of compensation to be determined in the future.
“We remain committed to ensuring San Francisco is a safe city for everyone who lives in or enters our city,” District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a statement. “We will continue to ensure that appropriate outlets for free speech and social advocacy expression exist and are protected in San Francisco. We will continue to ensure that appropriate outlets for free speech and social advocacy expression exist and are protected in San Francisco. I truly believe that you can achieve what you set your mind to.”
FILE – Protesters clash with police after shutting down the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in time for the APEC summit on November 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
Similar protests blocking major roads and calling for a ceasefire took place in Los Angeles, New York, Boston and Philadelphia.
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More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry generally does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue with the aim of a possible ceasefire or long-term peace.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
