Last month, over 30 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested inside Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall. However, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has recently dismissed all charges against them.
According to a report by NBC News, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has dismissed the charges of trespassing against 31 out of the 46 individuals who were accused in relation to the protest. The reason behind the dismissal was a lack of evidence to support the charges.
According to the district attorney’s office, an offer was made to drop charges against 14 defendants if they managed to stay clear of any arrests within the next six months. However, the defendants declined this offer.
According to Fox News, all the students who were arrested have no prior criminal records. However, those who are associated with Columbia University are currently undergoing disciplinary actions, which might lead to their expulsion.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, charges against James Carlson, an unaffiliated protester, are still being pursued. Carlson is facing charges in two separate cases, one of which involves the burning of a flag.
In late April, Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall was occupied by protesters and eventually hundreds of New York Police Department officers gained access to the facility, resulting in the arrest of the protesters.
As Hamas and Israel continue their war in Gaza, university protesters across the nation are urging their institutions to divest from Israel and any companies associated with its military. A demonstration also took place in light of these ongoing events.
In the span of eight months, over 37,400 Palestinians, with a majority being women and children, have lost their lives in the conflict, as reported by the Palestine Ministry of Health.
