Pro-Palestinian activists accused of intimidation campaign against University of Michigan officials
Federal prosecutors unsealed indictment against activists trying to force the school to cut financial ties to Israel
TL;DR
- Eight pro-Palestinian activists indicted for conspiracy to run a criminal intimidation campaign.
- The campaign aimed to force the University of Michigan to cut financial ties to Israel.
- Indictment details vandalism against companies and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.
- Threatening symbols used by Hamas were allegedly employed, including red inverted triangles and red handprints.
- Internet and social media were used to broadcast threats and commitment to criminal activity.
- Protesters demanded the University of Michigan's endowment stop investing in companies with ties to Israel.
- The university stated it has no direct investments and less than $15m in funds that might include Israeli companies.
- The indictment is considered one of the more aggressive federal actions against pro-Palestinian activists, with many student charges at local/state levels being dropped.