A New York judge has dismissed trespassing cases against 30 individuals who were arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at Columbia University's Hamilton Hall in April. The Manhattan district attorney's office cited a lack of evidence in dropping the charges for these individuals, who were among dozens arrested during the incident.
Of the initial 46 individuals arrested, 15 still face charges related to the protest. The protesters were accused of unlawfully entering Hamilton Hall and barricading themselves inside, leading to police intervention at the university's request.
During a court hearing, Judge Kevin McGrath dismissed the cases against 30 individuals with no criminal history, bringing the total number of individuals no longer facing charges to 31. The Manhattan DA's office mentioned that the defendants were either staff or students at Columbia University at the time of the incident and are now subject to university disciplinary proceedings.
Assistant District Attorney Stephen Millan highlighted the limited video evidence available, stating that the footage did not show the defendants causing harm or damaging property. This lack of evidence made it challenging for prosecutors to prove charges beyond trespassing.
While 14 defendants have been offered Adjournments in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), they have rejected the deals, opting for a united front against what they perceive as state repression. These defendants, including individuals not affiliated with Columbia University, are scheduled to appear in court on July 25.
One defendant, James Carlson, is facing charges related to the protest, including criminal trespass and arson. Carlson pleaded not guilty to the charges, with ongoing school disciplinary proceedings for the students whose cases were dismissed.
The court proceedings have sparked discussions around civil disobedience, student activism, and the Palestinian cause, with protesters emphasizing their shared commitment to opposing perceived injustices.
