Stanford pro-Palestine activists plead not guilty in felony vandalism case

"The 12 defendants - mostly current and former Stanford students and alumni - were arraigned last May and are accused of causing between $360,000 and $1 million in damage during a takeover of university administrative offices, a figure student activists have called an "exaggeration." On the same day as the protest, some of the school's historic sandstone buildings were defaced with profanity-laced graffiti. A pro-Palestine student encampment was also forcibly dismantled following the protest."

"Judge Thomas Kuhnle met with the district attorneys and defense lawyers in chambers ahead of a motion to reduce the charges from felonies to misdemeanors scheduled for Wednesday. When Kuhnle returned to court, he denied the motion without discussion, and no plea agreement was reached. This means a preliminary hearing will proceed on Sept. 29 to see if there's enough evidence to go to trial, and the activists could face felony convictions."

"The courtroom was filled with supporters, though the atmosphere was subdued compared to earlier hearings. Sheriff's deputies have been assigned to secure the courthouse, and the public has been repeatedly reminded of a standing order banning demonstrations, broadcasting and photography on court property, including the parking lot. During the May arraignment, supporters rallied in the courthouse parking lot and were threatened with arrest. On Wednesday, supporters wearing keffiyahs left quietly without incident."

Twelve defendants, mostly current and former Stanford students and alumni, pleaded not guilty to felony vandalism charges related to a June 2024 pro-Palestinian campus protest. Authorities allege the takeover of university administrative offices caused between $360,000 and $1 million in damage; student activists called that figure an exaggeration. Historic sandstone buildings were defaced with profanity-laced graffiti and a pro-Palestine encampment was forcibly dismantled. Judge Thomas Kuhnle denied a motion to reduce charges to misdemeanors and no plea agreement was reached. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29 to determine if the case proceeds to trial. Courthouse security measures restrict demonstrations, broadcasting and photography.

Read at The Mercury News