Charges Dropped Against Pro-Palestinian Protesters at University of Michigan
In a significant legal development, the Michigan Attorney General’s office has decided to dismiss felony charges against seven pro-Palestinian demonstrators who were apprehended nearly a year ago following a police operation at a tent encampment on the University of Michigan campus. The individuals had been accused of resisting arrest.
Ann Arbor District Court Judge Cedric Simpson accepted the motion to dismiss the charges, bypassing a decision on a motion to recuse Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel from the case. Defense lawyers had argued that Nessel’s comments on a widely used pro-Palestinian slogan, deemed antisemitic by some, indicated a potential bias, thus questioning her neutrality.
Defense teams also highlighted a recusal request in another case where Nessel’s mention of the protesters was seen as evidence of partiality. Nessel dismissed these assertions as “baseless and absurd,” describing the recusal motion as a “diversionary tactic” delaying proceedings.
In her statement, Attorney General Nessel emphasized her confidence in the original charges but acknowledged the allocation of resources as a deciding factor for the dismissal. She cited a letter from the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, which influenced her decision, noting, “The impropriety of this action has led us to the difficult decision to drop these charges.”
The courtroom reacted positively to the dismissal, with spectators applauding and defendants sharing emotional embraces with their supporters. Defense attorney Amir Makled stated, “This case was not about trespassing… This was about the criminalization of free speech. And today, the state of Michigan agrees that you still have the right to speak up.”
Defendant Sammie Lewis celebrated the ruling, saying, “Today is a huge win for not just us, but the entire movement for Palestine.” She reflected on the personal impact of the case, expressing relief at resuming normal life while continuing advocacy efforts.
Lewis and another protester remain involved in legal proceedings concerning separate charges related to an incident at “Festifall,” an event for new University of Michigan students. A hearing for this case is slated for the upcoming month.
Attorney General Nessel continues to pursue cases involving two individuals charged with trespassing during the encampment clearance. Additionally, two counter-protesters face charges, including disturbing the peace and destruction of property, related to actions against the pro-Palestinian encampment.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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