More than 60 protesters charged with trespassing during pro-Palestinian protests outside ASU

TEMPE, AZ (AZFamily) – More than 60 protesters face misdemeanor charges after a pro-Palestinian protest at Arizona State University in Tempe earlier this year ended with dozens of people being arrested.

On Wednesday, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that 68 people were charged with trespassing for allegedly defying police orders to leave ASU in April.

“The right to free speech does not extend to violations of the law,” said District Attorney Mitchell. “University policy is clear: tent camps are not permitted in this specific area of ​​campus. The demonstrators – many of whom were not students – were repeatedly given the opportunity to peacefully dismantle the camps and leave the area. ASU, along with local law enforcement, was responsible for ensuring the safety of the area for students and faculty. My office now plays the equally important role of holding these people accountable for their actions.”

At an overnight protest on April 26, 72 people, including 20 ASU students, were arrested during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on the lawn in front of Old Main, according to police.

Dozens gathered to protest the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and called on the university to stop doing business with companies that support Israel. Pro-Palestinian protesters also demanded that ASU officials disclose all investments in students’ tuition.

ASU police say the protesters set up an “unauthorized encampment” and “violated university policy.” The students were temporarily suspended from the university but were able to appeal their suspension.

All of the protesters were charged with trespassing, a misdemeanor. Trial dates have not been set.

ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson retired from the department after being placed on paid administrative leave following a series of complaints about his actions and handling of protests.

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