Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has dismissed charges against seven University of Michigan student protesters, citing ongoing delays and a contentious atmosphere surrounding the case. Initially charged with trespassing and resisting a police officer stemming from a pro-Palestinian protest in May 2024, the students pleaded not guilty. While Nessel previously supported the charges, she ultimately decided that pursuing the case was not a prudent use of resources. The National attention on the case has raised broader discussions about freedom of speech in light of recent protests against the war in Gaza.
We feel vindicated that the case was dismissed, said Jamil Khuja, a member of the defense team for the students. These individuals committed no crime whatsoever.
Despite dropping the charges and growing criticism of the case, Nessel on Monday defended her decision to pursue felony charges against the students, saying a reasonable jury would find the defendants guilty.
Nessel added in a statement that she dropped the charges because she did not believe these cases to be a prudent use of my department's resources.
The case in Michigan gained national attention and became symbolic of the nationwide crackdown on pro-Palestine demonstrations, with advocates arguing it attacked freedom of speech.
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