Michigan Drops Felony Charges Against Protesters

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has dropped felony charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during the May 2024 clearing of an encampment at the University of Michigan, whose original charges included trespassing and resisting police. Nessel cited distractions, ongoing delays, allegations of bias, and controversial communications to the court as reasons for dismissal, saying the cases had taken on a 'circus-like atmosphere.' While she maintained there was sufficient evidence, she concluded prosecution was no longer prudent. Defense attorneys and activists welcomed the dismissal as a victory for free speech, while the university defended its actions by citing safety risks at the encampment. The protests were part of a broader movement demanding divestment from companies linked to Israel. Some related cases, including those involving alleged off-campus vandalism, are still ongoing.