On December 19, Orange County District Attorney Jeff Nieman announced his office would dismiss the final eight cases against UNC protesters set for trial on December 20. The decision followed Judge Samantha Cabe’s written ruling that the state lacked sufficient evidence to prove guilt for second-degree trespassing, coupled with the DA’s re-evaluation of the facts.
“This trial made it clear that what these protesters did was protected by the First Amendment,” said attorney Jaelyn Miller of Emancipate NC, who was part of the protesters’ defense team alongside Elizabeth Simpson. Miller went on to say, “It is shameful that the DA has not dismissed these cases, and any continued effort to prosecute these individuals would just further highlight that the DA’s office is not interested in pursuing justice, but instead, assisting UNC-CH in punishing these protesters for daring to speak up about a genocide.”
This decision marks an important victory for free speech and demonstrates the power of legal advocacy in defending constitutional rights. Emancipate NC remains steadfast in its mission to protect those who speak out against injustice.
