Dozens of trespassing cases against pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested late last month at Arizona State University were dismissed by a judge Tuesday.
But prosecutors still have a year to revive them.
More than 70 people suspected of trespassing were due in court to be arraigned, but instead had their cases dismissed because ASU police and county prosecutors had not submitted charges. Speaking on behalf of several of those arrested, attorney Ray Ybarra Maldonado asked the judge to throw their cases out entirely.
“We have clients who are teachers at high schools and fear losing their job. We have students at ASU that are afraid that they won’t be able to go back to campus next year and live in their dorms and continue with their education," Maldonado said.
ASU says it’s sending complete information to county prosecutors for their review.
ASU’s police chief was recently put on paid leave while he is investigated on complaints related to his actions during the protests.
