TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa group is holding a rally Tuesday to show support for the 13 people arrested during a pro-Palestinian demonstration last month at the University of South Florida (USF).
The Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (TAARPR) is holding a demonstration Tuesday outside the Hillsborough County Courthouse, demanding charges be dropped against the 13 people arrested at USF during pro-Palestinian protests that were deemed “not peaceful” by law enforcement.
What You Need To Know
- A Tampa group is holding a rally Tuesday to show support for the 13 people arrested during a pro-Palestinian demonstration last month at USF
- Tampa Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression is holding a demonstration today outside the Hillsborough County Courthouse
- PREVIOUS STORIES on college campus protests
- National Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression
On April 29 and 30, the 13 people were arrested as police broke up the demonstrations.
Those arrested are facing a variety of charges including trespassing, resisting arrest, battery on a law enforcement officer, unlawful assembly, aggravated assault and even a charge of carrying a concealed firearm on to campus.
The 13 facing chargers include one USF staff member, eight current or former students, and four non-students.
In a flyer being circulated on social media, TAARPR is demanding all charges be dropped, and that people rally around those arrested during Tuesday’s demonstration.
It is not likely prosecutors will drop charges against the protesters.
The charges carry jail time and prison sentences anywhere from 60 days in jail for trespassing, up to five years in prison for battery on a police officer and carrying a concealed weapon on to campus.
Tuesday’s demonstration at the Hillsborough County Courthouse is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.