Six activists are set to appear in New Orleans Municipal Court on Tuesday, November 19, and Thursday, November 21, facing charges stemming from their involvement in a peaceful pro-Palestine encampment at Tulane University last May. The encampment, initiated by students from Tulane and Loyola universities, aimed to pressure the schools to disclose and divest any financial ties to the state of Israel. However, after two nights, the encampment was forcibly disbanded by riot police, resulting in multiple arrests.
On Tuesday morning, supporters are expected to gather outside the court as the trials of Quest Riggs and Israel “Sruly” Heller commence at 8 a.m. Following the court proceedings, a rally is planned to call on the city to uphold the activists’ right to free speech and to drop all charges related to the protest.
The organization New Orleans Stop Helping Israel’s Ports (NOSHIP) will hold a press conference on Thursday, November 21, at noon outside Municipal Court. This conference will mark one year since the start of NOSHIP’s campaign urging the Port of New Orleans to sever ties with Israel. The group also plans to highlight the pro-Palestine activism-related charges brought against dozens of New Orleans residents over the past year.
Later that day, activists Serena Sojic-Borne and Brenna Byrne will attend their trial at 1 p.m., with supporters gathering to demonstrate solidarity.
