Opening statements began Friday in the trial of five current and former Stanford students who overtook a university building during 2024 pro-Palestine protests. Eleven demonstrators were indicted in October on felony vandalism and trespassing charges after barricading themselves inside the president and provost’s offices in June. Authorities arrested and charged 12 people. One defendant pleaded no contest, and six others accepted plea deals. The five facing trial pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors accused them of vandalism and disabling security cameras. The university is seeking $329,000 in restitution. Protests erupted across U.S. campuses in 2024, with 3,200 arrests during pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
