CHANDLER, Ariz. — In a packed courtroom Tuesday, a judge dismissed charges against 71 protesters arrested on the Arizona State University campus in late April. A judge dismissed the case without prejudice in Lakes University Court of Justice in Chandler, Arizona.
Democratic Justice of the Peace Tyler Kissel’s ruling means the protesters are free to leave, but could face future prosecution if authorities file charges within the next year. A court spokesperson said all of the pro-Hamas protesters were charged with trespassing.
Pro-Hamas rally outside the Arizona courthouse (Randy Clark/Breitbart, Texas)
Breitbart, Texas, attended the hearing and observed supporters gathering outside the courthouse to rally on behalf of the defendants. The rally was sponsored by Arizona Mass Liberation and was attended by about 100 people outside the courthouse. The group’s stated goal is to de-occupy Arizona by abolishing police and prisons. The group actively supports Hamas, as stated in recent statements. press release: “In solidarity with Palestine, we reject the blatantly racist and Islamophobic narrative that claims Hamas is a terrorist organization.we do not condemn resistance in Gaza”
Ironically, the group is affiliated with the Oakland, California-based Collective Liberation Project, which receives funding from. Tides Foundation Through donors including Jewish billionaires Liz Simmons and Mark Heising. Heising Simmons Foundation. According to Jewish Business News, Mr. Simmons and Mr. Heising are signatories of Bill Gates and Warren Buffet’s Giving Pledge, which encourages the world’s wealthy to give up their wealth for social good. There is.According to recent news, the Mass Liberation Fund also receives significant funding from George Soros. report.
Pro-Hamas rally outside the Arizona courthouse (Randy Clark/Breitbart, Texas)
The defendants in Tuesday’s court hearing, like many arrested on college campuses across the country in recent months, allegedly set up a camp on the Arizona State University (ASU) campus before their arrest. ASU released a statement about the arrest shortly thereafter. The statement referred to 72 arrests, but a court spokesperson said one arrest made at the time was unrelated to the Pro-Hamas protests on campus in late April. It was said to be related to a crime.
ASU police arrested 72 people Friday on suspicion of trespassing after setting up unauthorized encampments in violation of university regulations. Camping on Arizona State University property is prohibited.Legal demonstrations can be held except at night, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
A group of mostly ASU students, non-faculty and staff members set up an encampment that lasted until well after 11 p.m., when they were repeatedly instructed to disperse. Those who refused to leave despite repeated warnings were arrested and charged with trespassing. Of the 72 people arrested throughout the day Friday, 15 were ASU students. Approximately 80% of those arrested were not students.
While the university remains an environment that respects free speech, ASU’s top priority is to create a safe and secure environment that supports teaching and learning.
Of the 71 defendants, only 20 were ASU students who were suspended by the university after their arrest. These students filed a lawsuit seeking to have their suspensions revoked. On May 3, Federal Judge John Tuci denied the students’ request for a temporary injunction against the suspension, meaning the university’s lawsuit stands. Student suspensions mean some students will not be able to graduate as planned, and others will not be able to register for summer or fall classes at the university.
randy clark He is a 32-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol. Prior to his retirement, he served as Division Chief of Law Enforcement Operations and directed operations for nine Border Patrol stations within the Del Rio, Texas area. Follow him on Twitter @RandyClarkBBTX.
