Based on reporting from Michigan Public Radio, exercising first amendment rights in Michigan is becoming an “engage at your own risk” activity.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is under scrutiny for her handling of pro-Palestinian protests at the University of Michigan, raising concerns about continued bias against First Amendment activities.
According to the article, defense attorneys requested Nessel recuse herself from prosecuting cases related to a pro-Palestinian encampment on University of Michigan’s campus, after citing her own acknowledgment of being perceived as biased against Arab and Muslim individuals.
This perception was first highlighted in a separate case involving Hamtramck City Council members, where Nessel’s office sought a special prosecutor over similar concerns.
Critics argue Nessel’s involvement in these cases reflect a broader pattern of suppressing dissenting voices.
Additionally, U of M’s decision to involve Nessel’s office and bypass local prosecutors entirely has been questioned, especially after The Guardian’s report of Nessel’s political and financial ties to the university’s Board of Regents.
The Guardian, Tom Perkins, University of Michigan recruits state attorney general to crack down on Gaza protesters
Frustrated by local prosecutors’ unwillingness to crack down on most of the students arrested at the height of the pro-Palestinian encampments last spring, the regents executed a highly unusual move in recruiting the Michigan attorney general, Dana Nessel, because she was more likely to file charges, three people with direct knowledge of the decision tell the Guardian.
Elsewhere, a significant number of charges against Gaza protesters have been dismissed, suggesting that such prosecutions intended to intimidate than uphold justice.
The ongoing debate underscores the delicate balance between maintaining public order and protecting constitutional rights.
As the legal proceedings continue, the implications for free speech and the role of political influence in law enforcement remain central concerns.
The World is Increasingly Dystopian.
…especially as all of this comes on the heels of a house subcommittee hearing regarding the AG’s weaponization of government.
How did we get here?
With Americans finding government surveillance to be the new norm, neither political party seeking to care about constitutional rights.
I remember when, as a citizen, the Michigan Attorney General helped you out with consumer related issues, and that was about it.
Something tells me we’re a long way from home, Toto.
Update 5/19/25
Nessel’s office has dropped charges citing the “circus-like atmosphere” around proceedings. The fact that she created the circus seems to escape her.
