A San Francisco jury has handed down sentences to seven protesters who obstructed traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge during a 2024 pro-Palestinian demonstration against Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Each of the seven individuals received a 30-day sentence, though they will be credited for time already served. The judgment, which includes six months of probation and over $1,000 in combined fines and restitution, allows for half of the jail time to be fulfilled through a work release program managed by the San Francisco Sheriff's Office. The defendants will remain free while they pursue an appeal of the convictions.
During the sentencing, Superior Court Judge Teresa Caffese emphasized the tradition of civil disobedience, stating that those who disrupt the lives of hundreds of commuters should be treated with respect while remaining prepared to face the legal consequences of their actions. The group was convicted in July on several misdemeanor counts, including obstruction of a thoroughfare, false imprisonment, and unlawful assembly. One defendant was also convicted for refusing to disperse. While prosecutors initially sought to include a charge of felony conspiracy—which could have carried a sentence of up to 15 years—the jury remained deadlocked on that count. Prosecutors have confirmed they will not seek a retrial on the felony charge.
Defense attorneys maintained that the protesters felt a moral obligation to act against the devastation caused by Israeli strikes in Gaza and Washington’s ongoing support for its ally. They argued that the demonstration was a last resort after previous attempts to reach congressional representatives through letters and appeals had failed. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins stated that the blockade created a significant safety risk for commuters and underscored that there must be consequences when laws are broken.
The sentencing also included six months of probation, and fines and restitution of over $1,000.The defendants will remain free while the case is appealed,SFGatereported.Defence attorneys argued that protesters resorted to blocking the bridge after writing letters and appealing to congressional representatives produced no result.The jury convicted the seven protesters on misdemeanour counts including false imprisonment, obstruction of thoroughfare, unlawful assembly and, in one defendant's case, refusal to disperse.The jury did not reach a verdict on the most serious charge of felony conspiracy, an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime coupled with an overt act, which could have had a sentence of up to 15 years.
