San Francisco Prosecutors Charge 80 Protesters Demanding Cease-Fire in Gaza

In a bold demonstration of their support for a cease-fire in Gaza, 80 protesters last month blocked traffic for hours on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The protest coincided with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where President Joe Biden and other world leaders were in attendance. Now, San Francisco prosecutors have begun charging these protesters, with 17 individuals appearing in court on Monday to face an array of charges.

The charges include false imprisonment, refusing to comply with a peace officer, unlawful public assembly, refusing to disperse, and obstruction of street, sidewalk, or other public areas. The arraignments for these protesters have been continued to February, allowing them time to prepare their defense.

Before the arraignments began, a news conference was held outside the court, where hundreds of demonstrators carrying signs that read "Biden: Ceasefire Now," "Free Free Palestine," and "Drop the Charges!" expressed their solidarity. Aisha Nizar, a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement and one of those arrested and charged, stated that the protesters remain determined to continue their demonstrations. "We are more resolute in our demands for a cease-fire than ever," Nizar declared outside the court.

During the global trade summit, approximately 200 protesters participated in the demonstration and successfully blocked all lanes of traffic into San Francisco on the upper deck of the Bay Bridge. Some frustrated drivers even resorted to tossing their keys into the bay. As a result, dozens of protesters were arrested, and 29 vehicles were towed.

The central demand of the protesters was for President Biden to call for an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This issue has ignited similar protests across major cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. It should be noted that the protesters in these cities also blocked major roadways, causing disruptions and attracting attention to their cause.

Providing insight into the charges, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins emphasized the balance between free speech and public safety. "While we must protect avenues for free speech, the exercise of free speech cannot compromise public safety," Jenkins stated in a released statement. The demonstration on the Bay Bridge had a significant impact on commuters, requiring substantial public resources to resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, in other cities, there have been arrests related to similar protests, but it remains unclear whether charges have been filed. In Philadelphia, 32 individuals were arrested by state police after a cease-fire protest that blocked an interstate. They were processed on charges of disorderly conduct before being released. Similarly, in Minneapolis, six individuals were arrested by Minnesota State Patrol troopers after protesters blocked traffic on an interstate. Five of them were booked for alleged misdemeanor traffic obstruction. The Minneapolis city attorney is currently reviewing charges against five of the individuals, while charges were declined against the sixth.

The protesters' demand for a cease-fire stems from the temporary truce brokered by Qatar between Israel and Hamas, which was announced on November 21. However, the war resumed on December 1 after talks to extend the truce collapsed. The conflict began when Hamas breached Israel's “Iron Wall” on October 7, launching an attack that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of nearly 240 people. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 19,400 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and minors, have been killed since the war began.

As this story develops, it remains to be seen how these charged protesters will navigate the legal process while continuing to advocate for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict.