Conviction of Pro-Palestinian Protesters Following Rally in America in 2024

SadaNews - A jury in San Francisco, America, has convicted seven protesters who obstructed traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in 2024, protesting the Israeli attack on Gaza, on charges related to misdemeanors.

The jury did not reach a decision regarding the more serious charge of criminal conspiracy, according to the news agency "Reuters."

Brooke Jenkins, the San Francisco District Attorney, stated in a late Thursday evening release that the jury convicted each of the seven protesters of six misdemeanors, which include unlawful detention, obstructing traffic, and participating in an unpermitted gathering.

Jenkins added that one of the defendants was also convicted of another misdemeanor for refusing to disperse during the dispersal order.

Sentencing for the protesters will take place in August, and they face a penalty of up to five years in county jail.

Widespread protests in the United States in 2024 called for an end to the Israeli war in Gaza and the cessation of U.S. support for its ally. The protests also demanded universities withdraw their investments from companies supporting Israel.

The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the more serious charge of criminal conspiracy, which involves an agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime accompanied by overt acts, which could lead to a penalty of up to 15 years if convicted.

Jenkins stated, "We will currently assess our options and consider our next steps."

Defense attorneys noted that the protesters acted out of what they deemed a moral responsibility to oppose the destruction caused by the Israeli war in Gaza and U.S. support for its ally.

They argued that the protesters decided to resort to the tactic of closing the bridge after other methods, such as writing letters and appealing to Congressional members, had failed.

Local media quoted Nouha Abu Samra, who represented one of the defendants, stating that the conviction on lesser charges represents a victory.

She clarified, "Blocking a bridge and disrupting traffic for a few hours years ago is the least we should do as American citizens while our tax dollars continue to fund the genocide of Palestinians."