All Charges Dismissed Against UNC Protesters, Marking a Victory for Free Speech
CHAPEL HILL, NC – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday, Dec. 19, the dismissal of all remaining charges against protesters arrested during the April 2024 encampment for Palestinian lives at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). This decision brings to a close a months-long legal battle, with 14 cases dismissed, marking a significant victory for free speech and justice.
The charges stemmed from arrests made on April 30, 2024, when protesters gathered on UNC-CH’s Polk Place Quad, demanding that the university acknowledge alleged genocide in Palestine and “disclose and divest” from entities complicit in Israel’s actions in Gaza. Despite the Quad being a public forum, police from across the state forcibly dispersed the encampment and arrested dozens, charging them with trespassing and other offenses. Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro Police notably declined to participate in the operation.
Yesterday’s dismissals followed a landmark ruling last week by Orange County Chief District Court Judge Samantha Cabe, who dismissed the first protester’s case, citing insufficient evidence to prove trespass on public property. Defense attorney Gina Balamucki successfully argued that the arrest violated the defendant’s First Amendment rights, a position echoed by attorneys representing the other protesters.
“The Constitution grants political speech the highest First Amendment protections,” said Balamucki. “These arrests were a blatant violation of those rights. UNC must recognize this as a resounding rebuke of their unconstitutional actions.”
The legal team, including attorneys from Emancipate NC, Lopez-Cobb and Ordoubadi, and the NC Muslim Bar Association, underscored the importance of the decision.
“This dismissal shows that attempts to punish dissent through mass arrests and prosecutions will not stand,” said attorney Reem Subei. “The fight for justice cannot and will not be suppressed.”
Attorney Djaouida Siaci praised the courage of the student activists, calling their actions “a pivotal moment in history.”
The dismissal concludes all criminal proceedings against the protesters, but their legal counsel has called on UNC-CH to take responsibility for its actions and uphold its commitment to free speech and academic freedom.
For further inquiries, contact:
- Gina Balamucki, Blackrose Law: gina@blackroselaw.com