Get your daily weekday news updates directly to your email inbox from our reporters covering all corners of the US.
is completed
Your report on the recent news updates across the United States has been finished.
Prosecutors announced that seventy-eight individuals who had taken part in a protest on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in November, demanding a cease-fire in Gaza, have been directed to perform five hours of community service and make restitution. This action allowed them to avoid facing criminal charges for obstructing traffic on the bridge for an extended period of time.
On November 16, there was a demonstration while San Francisco was hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which was attended by President Joe Biden and leaders from other countries. In various cities such as Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, protestors have also obstructed major roads to call for a cease-fire.
“This is a victory not only for those exercising their right to protest a genocide being fueled by their tax dollars, but for the growing global movement demanding freedom for the Palestinian people,” Aisha Nizar, one of the protesters, said in a news release. “We emerge from this case even stronger and more united in our commitment to one another and to the people of Palestine.”
Around 200 individuals took part in the protest in San Francisco during the worldwide trade conference. They impeded all lanes of traffic on the upper deck of the bridge, causing some drivers to throw their keys into the bay. 80 people were taken into custody and 29 vehicles were removed. The demonstrators urged Biden to demand an immediate end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
80 individuals were accused of false imprisonment, disobeying a peace officer, participating in an unlawful public gathering, failing to disperse, and obstructing a public area. One case was dismissed due to lack of evidence, while another person opted out of the court’s pre-trial diversion program.
According to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, the court’s proposal was accepted by 78 individuals who will each pay an unspecified restitution amount to compensate someone who required evacuation from the bridge.
“We are dedicated to guaranteeing the safety of all individuals who reside in and visit San Francisco,” stated District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “We are committed to preserving channels for free speech and social activism within the city, while also ensuring the protection of our community. I firmly believe that we can exercise our right to free expression while also prioritizing the safety of our neighborhoods.”
In January, the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco passed a resolution advocating for a prolonged cessation of hostilities in Gaza. The resolution denounced both Hamas and the Israeli government, and urged the Biden administration to work towards securing the release of all hostages and providing much-needed humanitarian aid. Several other cities in the United States have also adopted similar resolutions, although they hold no legal weight. These resolutions reflect the pressure on local governments to express their stance on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, over 30,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in their tally, but notes that two-thirds of the fatalities are women and children. Additionally, approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly innocent civilians, were killed in southern Israel in the initial attack on October 7 which sparked the conflict. It is estimated that around 250 people were kidnapped during this time and it is suspected that Hamas is still detaining approximately 100 of them.
/article/Montreal
The website “independent.co.uk” has an article about Montreal.
