Demonstrator arrests persist across US college campuses

Protests across US college Campuses this week have led to the arrests of hundreds of college students demonstrating against the war in Gaza. Amid the heightened tensions and civil unrest, questions remain regarding the outcome of the charges these students face.

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Pro-Palestine Demonstrators’ Arrests Across US College Campuses

Nearly 300 people were arrested in New York City on Tuesday night at Columbia University and the City College of New York. This followed similar unrest in Texas, Louisiana, and Arizona, with 79 people arrested at the University of Texas in Austin on Monday, and 70 arrests at Arizona State University over the weekend. Tulane University reported 14 arrests during protests on its New Orleans campus. 

The arrests primarily centred around charges such as trespassing, criminal mischief, and burglary, but many cases from earlier in the week have already been dropped. Legal experts stress that prosecutors need substantial evidence for convictions, which may be challenging given the mass nature of the arrests. 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams alleged that “outside agitators” were involved in the Columbia protests, although the students’ supporters gathered at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse, where the first arrests began to be arraigned.

Concerns have also been raised about police handling of the protests, with reports of pepper spray and aggressive tactics. The police response was criticised by the New York Civil Liberties Union, which said it was excessively severe. As the legal process continues, it remains uncertain how many of the charges will stick and what long-term consequences students may face.