Stanford Protesters Negotiating Plea Deals as Trial Begins | KQED

"The reason that misdemeanors are even on the table is that Judge Ryan has indicated that she didn't believe this resembled felony conduct, Johns said."

"What matters is only that they agreed to occupy the building and that vandalism was necessary to accomplish the occupation. Their reasons for doing so have no relevance to the issues the jury will be asked to decide, the filings say."

"The DA's filings said the defense will attempt to "make this proceeding an extension of the June 5, 2024, political protest by falsely accusing Stanford University of supporting genocide.""

Nearly a year and a half after arrests, a trial will begin for five pro-Palestinian protesters who broke into and vandalized Stanford's president's office on June 5, 2024. Three co-defendants told the court they intend to accept a judge-offered misdemeanor plea deal opposed by prosecutors, while three others enrolled in mental-health diversion programs. Details of the misdemeanor deals are vague but likely include paths to eventual dismissal. A judge has indicated the conduct may not resemble felonies. Court filings state that defendants' political motivations are irrelevant to jury determinations, while prosecutors allege the defense will try to frame the trial as an extension of protest.

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