(WXYZ) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel dropped the charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Michigan.
Video: Charges dropped against 7 U-M protesters
In court on Monday, the AG's office dismissed the charges stemming from the clearing of the encampment in May of 2024. Those seven people were charged with trespassing and resisting and/or obstructing a police officer.
Over the course of the case, people called for Nessel to recuse herself, and she said in a statement that the case has become a "lightning rod of contention."
Watch below: Police raid pro-Palestinian encampment at University of Michigan Diag
However, she said she stands by her charging decisions and said she believes a jury would find the defendants guilty.
"These distractions and ongoing delays have created a circus-like atmosphere to these proceedings. While I stand by my charging decisions, and believe, based on the evidence, a reasonable jury would find the defendants guilty of the crimes alleged, I no longer believe these cases to be a prudent use of my department’s resources, and, as such, I have decided to dismiss the cases," Nessel said in a statement.
Since the seven were arrested last May, people have called for the AG's office to drop the charges.
Watch below: Dozens gather at Ann Arbor courthouse, demand AG drop charges against pro-Palestine protestors
