"Opening arguments in a Stanford felony vandalism case began Friday amid sharp disputes over whether political views tied to Israel's war in Gaza should factor into the trial an issue that has shaped the case from its earliest stages. Almost two years after 13 people were arrested for allegedly damaging Stanford University's executive offices during a June 2024 protest urging the school to divest from companies linked to Israel, five defendants are now on trial in Santa Clara County Superior Court."
"The remaining defendants German Gonzalez, Maya Burke, Taylor McCann, Hunter Taylor Black and Amy Zhai face felony vandalism and conspiracy charges that carry potential prison sentences of up to three years, making the case among the most serious prosecutions tied to pro-Palestine campus protests nationwide. Deputy District Attorney Rob Baker framed the case as a straightforward criminal matter, telling jurors that political motivations do not excuse the alleged property damage. Dissent is American, but vandalism is criminal, Baker said."
Opening arguments began amid sharp disputes over whether political views tied to Israel's war in Gaza should factor into the trial. Thirteen people were arrested after an alleged June 2024 incident that damaged Stanford University's executive offices during a protest urging divestment from companies linked to Israel. Five defendants face felony vandalism and conspiracy charges carrying up to three years in prison. The prosecution described the matter as straightforward criminal vandalism, arguing political motivations do not excuse property damage. Defense attorneys said the actions were driven by humanitarian concerns, not criminal intent. Judge Hanley Chew denied motions to bar Gaza references but limited war-related discussion. Prosecutors presented surveillance video showing barricading with ladders, plywood and other materials.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]