Pro-Palestinian UConn protestors appear in court

VERNON, Conn. (WTNH) — Seven of the 25 Pro-Palestinian protestors arrested at UConn on April 30 appeared in Rockville Superior Court today.

Attorney Aaron Romano, representing six of them, stated, “On behalf of the UConn Six I requested a date to review the evidence.”

He questioned whether they broke any laws by refusing to leave their encampment on campus. The university said at the time that the students broke the rules by setting up tents which were banned under the guidelines set forth by the university.

Later that day, the 25 arrested were released on a thousand dollar bond leaving the UConn police station to cheers from fellow protestors, facing charges of disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.

“I haven’t seen the evidence,” said Romano. “So we’ll have an opportunity to see the evidence, and then we’re curious to see what the evidence shows to see if any crime was committed.”

Asa Needle of Willimantic, a supporter of the protestors, voiced, “I am a concerned community member who’s here because it’s my understanding these brave young people are standing up and raising their voices for peace and justice and against the genocide and humanitarian disaster that’s currently happening in Israel.”

Needle and others call for dropping charges and oppose academic disciplinary actions against UConn students. A UConn spokesperson said it is against federal law to discuss if anyone faces conduct reviews or discipline.

“These students are making their voices heard saying no, and I stand with them, and I believe that they deserve our protection,” stated Needle.

None of the students spoke outside the courthouse today. All seven are due back in court on June 26.

The other protestors who were arrested will have their arraignments in Rockville Superior Court scheduled for tomorrow, later this week, and next week.

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