ANN ARBOR, Mich. – On Monday, felony charges were dismissed by state prosecutors against seven individuals accused of trespassing and resisting police during last year’s disbandment of a pro-Palestinian gathering at the University of Michigan.
Attorney General Dana Nessel expressed confidence in the strength of the cases but indicated that fatigue from criticism and other influences played a role. She pointed out that despite numerous hearings, a Washtenaw County judge had yet to determine whether to advance the cases to trial court.
Nessel, a Democrat, stated, “Groundless and ridiculous accusations of bias have only worsened this divide,” adding that “distractions and ongoing delays have created a circus-like atmosphere.”
The camp on the Diag, a traditional site for campus protests, was cleared by police in May 2024 after a month. The university said the camp had become a threat to safety, with overloaded power sources and open flames.
Defense attorney Amir Makled said Nessel was trying to turn free speech into a crime.
“We sent a clear message to both Lansing and to Washington, that the people still rule, and that public pressure compels the rule of law to be upheld,” Makled said Monday.
Protesters had demanded that the school’s endowment stop investing in companies with ties to Israel. The university insisted it has no direct investments and less than $15 million placed with funds that might include companies in Israel.
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