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City attorney won't file charges against most Gaza protesters arrested at UCLA and USC
California Highway Patrol officers clear a pro-Palestinian encampment with a police helicopter above, as a a Palestinian flag waves.
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Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Getty Images North America
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Topline:
The L.A. city attorney’s office said Friday that of the hundreds of arrests made at last year's Gaza war protests on the campuses of UCLA and USC, two people are facing misdemeanor criminal charges. Three others are being referred to “city attorney hearings,” an alternative procedure that avoids criminal prosecution.
Why it matters: Prosecutions stemming from college protests against the Israel-Hamas war have been a hot button issue following the encampment movement that erupted across the country last year.
The backstory: Through April and May last year, protesters supporting Palestinians set up encampments on USC and UCLA to oppose the Gaza conflict. The University of California Police Department and LAPD made arrests at both campuses. More than 300 of those were referred to the city attorney. On Friday, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto released a statement saying that due to “insufficient evidence,” her office won’t file charges against most arrestees.
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What's next: Two of those arrested at UCLA face misdemeanor criminal charges, both for alleged conduct at UCLA. Matthew Katz is charged with assault, false imprisonment and resisting arrest. Edan On is charged with assault and brandishing a weapon.
Go deeper: Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators At USC Join Camp-In Movement On Heels Of Valedictorian Controversy
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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