Faith

UC Davis Heckler Interrupts Jewish Event & Accuses Israelis of Raping Women & Children

UC Davis Protester Interrupts Israel Event

Student heckler at UC Davis

On Monday evening, an event entitled “Defending the Israeli Image” was held at UC Davis in Davis, California. The discussion, which was sponsored by the Chai-Life Club at UC Davis, Chabad of Davis and StandWithUs and led by two Israelis, was interrupted by hecklers. In particular, there was one individual who threw out bizarre accusations and slurs in an effort to shut down the discussion.

Here’s how San Francisco Voice for Israel described the chaos that unfolded:

Ran, a Israeli reservist, and Ranya, a Druze woman whose father and brother fought in the IDF maintained their dignity and composure in spite of a consortium of haters from Students for Justice in Palestine, the MSA and JVP who had planned to disrupt their presentation. This young man, claiming to be a Medieval Studies major at Davis repeatedly interrupted the proceedings in a coarse and vulgar manner, while UC Davis security and police stood on and did nothing.

In a letter to the editor of The California Aggie, the university’s newspaper, Dr. David Siegel (a professor at UC Davis School of Medicine) also outlined the antics that unfolded:

One individual planted himself at the back of the room and continuously shouted slurs (“rapists, murderers”) and refused to allow the event to proceed. Although most of the individuals who could be described as opposed to the ideas presented confined their behavior to occasional hooting and jeers, six to eight individuals felt empowered to prevent any collegial exchange of ideas. Under the circumstances, the Israelis, a former member of the Israeli Defense Forces and a Druze woman showed grace and courage.

Disgracefully, campus security and the UC Davis Police did nothing to prevent this behavior. I was told that they were following orders to do nothing unless there was violence. They also refused to take the names of the disruptive individuals. Clearly this sets a chilling precedent for future campus public events where one individual could disrupt the event without any fear of consequences.

So — not only did the students interrupt to such a profound degree, but campus security reportedly did nothing to stop his behavior. In his letter, Siegel went on to call for a campus investigation and he urged officials to “take appropriate actions against those who behaved outside of the UC Davis code of conduct.” Additionally, he hopes the school will prevent events like this from occurring in the future.

Another man named George Rooks (apparently a retired professor at UC Davis), wrote a letter to Police Chief Anette Spicuzza, who oversees officers at the university. In it, he said:

From the outset of the program, hecklers interrupted the program making it impossible for the program to proceed. One particular heckler hurled epithets at the speakers preventing their exercise of free speech–and the ability of the audience to listen…

After this had gone on for some time, I approached a police officer who was standing idly by and asked why he was there if not to ensure order–and why the heckler was not being removed. He specifically and absurdly responded to me: “We have been instructed by our superior not to stop hecklers, and if you try to stop the hecklers, we have been instructed to close down the program.”

Should an investigation take place, it won’t be difficult to determine who the main offender was (the individual ranting on about “rape” and “murder” — he even called the Israelis “child molesters” during his diatribe), as his outburst was caught on film.

“My only purpose today is that this event is shut down,” he yelled. “You have turned Palestine into a land of prostitutes, rapists and child molesters.”

Following these comments, another individual can be heard in the video asking, “Why don’t you go back?” The heckler then responds, ”I’m not from Palestine! I’m Indian!”

Here’s the first clip, which completely corroborates Siegel‘s and Rooks’ written recaps of what occurred on Monday evening:

In a second video, he can again be seen yelling statements at the Israeli presenters. He says, “How many women have you raped? How many children have you raped?”

In a separate letter to the editor, student Lyla Rayyan, a Senior International Relations And Communication Major, shared a very different perpective regarding what occurred that evening. While there isn’t video to corroborate her claims, she makes no real mention of the disturbing events we see in the aforementioned videos. Of course, it’s possible she missed this portion of the chaos, but her account is strikingly different:

There were admittedly hecklers from both sides. I have much respect for the mediator of the event, who tried to let everyone speak, even when pro-Israel attendees would not let people ask questions during the designated Q&A period. It is important for people to know that the event ended abruptly, not because of Palestinians rioting, but because the Jewish and Israeli community began yelling as soon as a Jewish American student got to the mike with statistics. He was not able to ask his question because as soon as he declared his position, people began shouting at him. Eventually a man grabbed the microphone from his hand, and people began swarming in on him as he yelled that this is what the Israeli community always does — limits the “dialogue” to their own terms and ends it before they can be criticized. That is not a democracy, despite what Israel supporters will tell you.

In the end, freedom of speech is certainly a freedom we all enjoy. But in this case, those attempting to exercise their rights by holding an event weren’t able to do so, because of intervening forces. The university’s next steps on the matter will be intriguing to observe.

(H/T: Gateway Pundit)

Comments (145)

  • ROBOBILLIO
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:19am

    It’s all about confrontation these days. As if screaming our differing views somehow advances a solution. It‘s about time to conclude that some people don’t want to be like me, and I don’t want to be like them. Let’s agree to disagree and quit all the vitriolic crap. Gosh, I almost sound like Rodney King.

    Report Post » ROBOBILLIO  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:34am

      Doesn’t matter what side of an issue someone is on, using these “heckler tactics” only serves to make one look ridiculous, ignorant, volatile and very likely dangerous. It doesn’t invite calm, polite and thoughtful debate or discussion of the topic. Rational people won‘t listen to a point of view if it’s expressed with screaming insults, ridiculous claims, hateful rhetoric and threats of violence.

      Report Post »  
    • PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:47am

      So who is making there hateful people stay here? He is FREE to GO.

      Report Post » PIGSWILLNEVERFLY  
    • PIGSWILLNEVERFLY
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:57am

      Wikipedia: Roman Emperor Hadrian; 135 AD Hadrian supressed the Bar Kokhbar revolt in Judaea..renaming the province Syria Palaestina in an attempt to erase Jews from history and cut the Jewish connection to the land.

      Report Post » PIGSWILLNEVERFLY  
    • edcoil
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:59am

      It is simply a lie. First, there is no place called Palestine and the area he believes it to be held rapist, murderers and whores long before Israel.

      Report Post »  
    • Michael61
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 11:05am

      There is a war between Islam and the Western civilization which started in 622AD (the official birthdate of Islam). The war has many facets: ideological, financial, cold and hot.

      The purpose of war is to eliminate the opponent. Either we eliminate Islam completely, or they will eliminate us. Peace with Islam is impossible.

      Report Post »  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 11:17am

      I think, my fellow blazers, you are missing the greater point. These are increasingly the tactics used by those who oppose our conservative Judeo-Christian views of faith, politics and social issues. It’s a sign of increasing aggressive and militant attitudes from the intolerant “tolerant” left toward traditional, conservative, Judeo-Christian values. Take for instance the contrast between the Tea Party demonstrations and the OWS tactics. Quite striking to say the least. However, the rhetoric from the left is that we are the unreasonable ones, we are the intolerant ones, and yet they are not only encouraged to pull this kind of crap daring the authorities to do something about it, they are protected by many of those authorities who want their agenda promoted. We must realize, in the greater context of things, what we are up against and point out their hypocrisy, intolerance, and and unreasonableness every chance they present to us. BTW is it me or did that Indian fella seem like a scolded pup at the end of the video? LOL

      Report Post » watchtheotherhand  
    • lovenfl3
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:13pm

      As long as I live, I’ll never understand the anti-semitism that is so prevalant around the world. What are the Jewish people supposed to have done to everyone? Even if you hate them fo some reason, didn’t they receive enough punishment during the Holocaust? I just don’t understand it.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o35_9qcK0U0

      Report Post » lovenfl3  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:43pm

      Excuse me but this was not Heckling this was a kidnapping Attempt. The Hecklers Interest was in my opinion motivated toward stoping the program from proceeding on the course set by the meetings sponsors. He Deprived everyone else the right to participate in a program they where interested in hearing, therefore made the time and effort to come and attend.
      Since when does shutting down or at the minimal hijack the event program Dwell within the Ist Amendment?
      Also one has to question the Polices Laissez-Faire interpretation of the 1st Amendment, if this was for instance a Muslim sponsored meeting and israeli students pulled off this same type of disruptive behavior. Would quick and decisive action by the police to remove the israeli hecklers be a judgement call by the police that Jews and Israelis are less prone to violence then a similar event by Muslims?
      Either way the police will do a quick review, find no fault on their part… and on to the next event

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • Hollywood
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:07pm

      I have to agree with the comment that the land of Palestine,now Israel, HAS been turned into a land of prostitutes,rapists,and child molestors. Just why he would say this about his fellow muslims,and palestinian arabs,I have no idea,although that is the truth re them!

      Report Post » Hollywood  
    • thriceconcussed
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 3:16pm

      I can’t help it, if this happened at my university I would be in jail . These guys need their faces smashed in, debate be damned!

      Report Post »  
    • sy212
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 3:22pm

      I agree, can’t we all just get along?

      Report Post »  
    • Unix
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 3:52pm

      This idiot leftist amoeba is a criminal, he shuts down free speech, so no one can present their topic…he is breaking the First Amendment rights of the speakers. The UC Davis police are cowards and idtiots too.

      I cannot wait for these leftist lunatics to start their little revolution, then I will be ready and waiting for them, locked and loaded, if they start voilence, we will assist law enforcement to restore the ‘rule of law’. I have that right, we all have that right, to squash a violent rebellion, in the defense of the Constitution and America. At that time they will be wiped off of the face of the earth, if they are so foolish as to revolt. I’ve read too much BS from these communists, islamo-fascists to know they want to destroy America and our values. I have also read many a conservative/libertarian/moderate comments to know we are FED UP with this crap! BRING IT ON YOU revolutionaries, BRING IT ON YOU PUNKS.

      Liberalism is a mental disorder of the highest order!

      Report Post » Unix  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 3:54pm

      We all know or at least should know this about Religion.
      Let me ask one and only one Question.
      If Israel was a Muslim dominated state would there be Anti-Israel Activity on Campus or for that matter anywhere around the World?
      If you judgment is NO then the real issue is uncovered. It’s a Jewish State surrounded by a intolerant Muslim Sea.

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • barnsy
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:00pm

      I beg to differ with the protester…… Islam is what turned Palestine into a land of prostitutes, rapists and child molesters. Mohammed would be proud.

      Report Post » barnsy  
    • Unix
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:12pm

      Hollywood
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:07pm
      I have to agree with the comment that the land of Palestine,now Israel, HAS been turned into a land of prostitutes,rapists,and child molestors. Just why he would say this about his fellow muslims,and palestinian arabs,I have no idea,although that is the truth re them!
      ===============================================================
      People from Hollyweird are idiots and dolts, just like you are, and you lack of education is astounding. You don’t have two brain cells to rub together to even spark an original thought, you are a lemming of the left, you are a slime bucket. Now bugger off to huff ‘n puff compost, you are in an adult forum, and your drivvel is not welcome here.

      Report Post » Unix  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:38pm

      Turn about is fair play I guess. Liberal speakers may be met with the same conditions.

      Report Post »  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 5:41pm

      Fortunately the main heckler has allowed his face to be broadcasted across the internet. I suspect he can be found around campus.

      Report Post »  
    • blamelessace5
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 12:06am

      davis is my home town,,,and its uber green wing …..suuuuuper! green…its pretty bad.

      Report Post » blamelessace5  
    • fluke996
      Posted on March 2, 2012 at 8:24pm

      Don’t they behead Muslim men wearing earrings and screaming like a woman in the middle east?

      Report Post »  
    • Anamah
      Posted on April 16, 2012 at 7:56pm

      This rude man attacked of all and every person rights at this UC presentation. He is a fascist intolerant as the Arab people he try to represent. We have enough with this Nazi virus. Shame to UCto allow this offense to the intelligence.

      Report Post »  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:16am

    Well they are putting in the all new RF meter readers in my region. It’s a good thing things are cruising right off the deep, deep fiscal cliff before they have a chance to abuse the technology.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:17am

      The bigger the government the better. I love big, big government.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:20am

      It’s funny how wicked people forget their line by lines and precepts after precepts, and they forget that one land belongs to the Lord and the Lord alone.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Biddle
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:43pm

      the land is symbolic of what God has in store for His elect. The land over there now has been left desolate. In the middle of the 70th week, the Lord confirmed a covenant with many. The new covenant does not replace the old covenant. According to Hebrews, it supercedes it. It is a better covenant. We know the that God does not dwell in temples or tents built with human hands…the earth is indeed His footstool. The Lord reigns at His right hand and all authority has been given to Him. Bless you.

      Report Post »  
  • Momof4boys
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:14am

    He’s a medieval studies major…no further explanation required.

    Report Post »  
    • jcizarter
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:28am

      Medieval studies ? You can get a major in this garbage? I will stop paying his tuition. I am sure he is on the payroll of the SEIU or some thuggy union group.

      Report Post » jcizarter  
    • tzion
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:57pm

      Tell me about. I was reading a letter to editor in my college’s paper yesterday about how Israel is an apartheid state. The author was majoring in religion and middle eastern studies.

      Report Post »  
  • jimhill58
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:12am

    An idiots classic argument. It is the fault of others that I am the way that I am.

    Report Post » jimhill58  
  • B-Neil
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:09am

    Please; look at me, I’m so special. I just love this freedom of speech stuff. But learn to do without it when we take over. Thats what I got out of the whole ars holes rant. Arrest me! Arrest me! I bet she will go out with me now. Golly gee. GOD BLESS AMERICA

    Report Post »  
  • Listen_then_think
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:02am

    “You have turned Palestine into a land of prostitutes, rapists and child molesters.” I think that should be blamed on those Palestinians who are prostitues, rapists and child molesters. And thanks heckler for pointing out what the rest of the civilized non jew-hating world already knows; that palestine is a land of prostitutes, rapists and child molesters.
    Could not have said it better myself. Man, you terrorists need some new supporters.
    uc davis cops…..terrorist sympathizers?

    Report Post »  
  • OneTermPresident
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:56am

    Sounds like the heckler took a page from Obama’s favorite book.. Rules for Radicals. Accuse them of doing what you’re doing.

    Report Post » OneTermPresident  
  • Tri-ox
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:47am

    Just another dimwitted obama supporter.

    Report Post » Tri-ox  
  • cessna152
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:41am

    Please oh please someone ask this dope to compare Israel with Islam/Hamas:
    1) Why does Islam stone gays
    2) Why do they stone women?
    3) Why don’t they let women vote, drive or be educated?
    4) Why does Islam kill those of different faiths?
    5) Why do they burn Churches and threaten Christians?

    Then ask, did you know Israel does not do any of this, what are you opposing?

    Report Post » cessna152  
    • ROBOBILLIO
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:12am

      Well said.

      Report Post » ROBOBILLIO  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 11:53am

      Well typed…

      Report Post » watchtheotherhand  
    • ModerationIsBest
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:47pm

      On point.

      Report Post »  
    • PeaceJoy4All
      Posted on April 22, 2012 at 12:12am

      Actually, I’ve traveled to a majority of Muslim nations, and women are (surprise, surprise) allowed to be educated, drive, and vote.. only in Saudi Arabia are females not allowed to drive; everywhere else, they have equal rights as men — women going to universities, partaking in elections, etc.. I don’t know where you get your info from.. but coming from someone who actually has witnessed Islamic culture in person.. trust me, it is not at all how you describe it.

      Maybe you shouldn’t believe every negative things you hear? It’s always best to be open-minded
      =)

      Report Post »  
  • paulz83toy
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:40am

    that is kind of like the pot calling the kettle black dont cha think?

    Report Post »  
  • paulz83toy
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:38am

    thats kind of the pot calling the kettle black dont cha think

    Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:32am

    Whom… would want to “do” a Muslim?

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • old white guy
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:37am

      people actually think that things are going to end well. guess what folks, what is coming will make ww2 look like a police action.

      Report Post »  
  • Hugh Williams
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:26am

    This is what leftist do. They can’t discuss any issue using facts. They don’t allow any opinion or speech they disagree with. Does anyone think for a minute the campus police would stand by and allow a leftist speaker to be heckled like the Israeli’s were? Also the story describes one of the hecklers as “This young man, claiming to be a Medieval Studies major.” I am sure a 4 year degree at Cal Davis will cost over $100,000. I bet this guy will be one of the spoiled brats that are complaining about all the money they spent on education and now they can’t find a job. I don’t know what it is like where you live but here there isn’t any large Medieval Studies companies employing medieval experts.

    Report Post » Hugh Williams  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:34am

      What are you talking about? The kids had facts and they weren’t allowed to speak. This is how Israel operates. If you try to present any evidence against them, they jerk the microphone away and label you a Nazi.
      They’ve been raping and pillaging for thousands of years. Religious sanctioned genocide.

      FoxholeAtheist  
    • Hugh Williams
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:03am

      Thank you for showing the ignorance of the leftist. Shouting obscenities to silence free speech is not stating facts.

      Report Post » Hugh Williams  
    • 123456beatriz
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 12:33pm

      @foxholeatheist like always the left insulting, destroying, this is only like to do. MARXISTS=RACISTS!

      Report Post »  
    • Unix
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 7:30pm

      FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:34am
      What are you talking about? The kids had facts and they weren’t allowed to speak. This is how Israel operates. If you try to present any evidence against them, they jerk the microphone away and label you a Nazi.
      They’ve been raping and pillaging for thousands of years. Religious sanctioned genocide.
      ===========================
      Why dont you go crawl in your foxhole and rot there moron? You’d be doing the world a favor.

      Report Post » Unix  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:22am

    .
    “You have turned Palestine into a land of prostitutes, rapists and child molesters.” in other words they have turned them into Democrats……………….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • omgfolks
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:50am

      Monkey while you are entitled to your opinon stating that all dem’s are of the nature is absurd. I might offer that Dems and Rep. alike share in a host of moronic behaviors, the individual does not define the group itself. Americans have had both Dem and Rep leaders who must all share in the failures America has seen in the past. I am not Dem Or Rep. I am an American citizen tired of the name calling party blaming lunatics who find more value in blame rather than solution.If I had my way I would fire them all and start all over.

      Report Post »  
    • SoupSandwich
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:25am

      Go ahead. I might offer that the democrats are no more as they have been silently complicit in the hijacking of their party by liberal, socialists and actual communists. Piss off and go change the party back to being really democratic and we can talk again. There will be no talking as things stand. Look at the morass your asswhole party has made of things.

      Report Post »  
    • SpankDaMonkey
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 2:38pm

      .
      omgfolks thats because Democrats blindly support all that stuff……..

      Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • HairRazor
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 4:31pm

      that’s right omgfolks. I’m with the monkey and sandwich on this one. It’s now a moocher-trash party.. that will tend to support the throat slittin bomb wearers in the g-strip. trash aside and on the flip side.. just think if the muslims of gazza (and around the world) would embrace and bless Israel.. they would be blessed and prosper and emerge from their struggling existence.

      Report Post » HairRazor  
  • Anonymouse.
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:21am

    Very sad news. http://bigjournalism.com/lsolov/2012/03/01/draft/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BigJournalism+%28Big+Journalism%29

    Report Post » Anonymouse.  
    • FoxholeAtheist
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:36am

      He screamed himself to death. I’m neither saddened nor surprised by this.

      FoxholeAtheist  
    • Highland
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:54am

      You’re a pathetic individual, atheist – but I repeat myself.

      Report Post » Highland  
  • Zcat
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:20am

    RIP: Andrew Breitbart Dead At 43…

    Report Post »  
    • TerryDo
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 10:02am

      Yes indeed, rest in peace and I will pray for your soul; that is if that is not offensive…
      God bless Andrew Brietbart!

      Report Post »  
  • sawbuck
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:19am

    “We have been instructed by our superior not to stop hecklers, and if you try to stop the hecklers, we have been instructed to close down the program.”
    ~~~~~~~
    In other words ..this was not a pro -Israel meeting .
    It was a ruse.. to get Pro-Israel people together in one room ,
    Then allow the anti-Semitic or pro-Muslims to shout remarks at them through-out the whole meeting.. Can you sat setup..!

    Did they.. “Pro-Israel- Supporters” …know they were going to a
    Israel – Hate – Speech – Pep – Rally….????

    Report Post » sawbuck  
  • kentuckypatriot
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:15am

    Since this goes on repeatedly on university campuses, why would pro Israeli speakers even want to hold discussions there? It seems to me that they’d be better suited amongst like minded individuals, rather than universities where they are subject to bullying tactics. I applaudd the fact that the speakers have the courage to stand up for our brothers and sisters in Israel, but being in a hostile environment is something they may want to reconsider. And to the cops, jsut who is giving them their marching orders?

    Report Post » kentuckypatriot  
  • GrayPanther
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:12am

    Imagine that a member of the current administration in Washington was making a presentation. First, the U C Davis rent-a-cops as well as the SS would have been all over the hecklers. The difference is clear to anyone with a view of open debate. Our colleges are supposed to promote thinking on all sides of issues. Our colleges are instead more apt to be schools of indoctrination when it comes to political systems and economics. A “cleansing” is called for. We can only hope.

    Report Post » GrayPanther  
    • islamhater
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:37am

      So you call for genocide because he yell‘ed at a open meet’ing? How about we get rid of these school’s and start over? The problem is Agenda 21 and religion.Religion has become commercialized it is NOT personal anymore. People used to live their lives as examples to other’s now they try to force it on you. Between the Catholics/jews and the Muslems there has been alot of evil put into our world.

      Report Post »  
  • SoundStride
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:09am

    What a typical liberal pos when the professor asked for his ID he said “Thats Harassment” what no race card?

    Report Post » SoundStride  
    • poster
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 11:11am

      The race card is a given – no need to play it anymore. We’re all racists here .

      Report Post »  
  • rambosharley
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:08am

    That IDIOT would have got his wish if I was the cop there!

    Report Post »  
  • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:07am

    Just for thought…

    “There is no right for a ”heckler’s veto” – taking over another person’s speech and shutting it down, argued Orange County Deputy District Attorney Dan Wagner. The students cared more about getting their message across than the rules of the meeting, and they planned to disrupt regardless of consequences from the university administration or police[...]”

    Jurors convicted 10 pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of California Irvine Friday on charges stemming from an orchestrated series of interruptions during a February 2010 speech by Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren. They face up to six months in jail for the misdemeanor counts of conspiracy and disrupting a public meeting.

    The verdict came after two and a half days of deliberations, wrapping up a trial which pitted the students’ right to protest against the freedom of speech by the Israeli official.

    Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:28am

      Per a Professor at the event last night…

      “I’d like to add something that is very disturbing to me and others. The main “agitator”, a student who declared that he was there to shut down the presentation, and continued to loudly interrupt the session, later after the session made an interesting comment. He told several of us that he was paid $50 to “disrupt” the meeting and “close it down”. He said he was paid by the Muslim Student Union to do this. I’m no lawyer, but this premeditated act seems to violate more than common civility. I am disgusted by our campus lack of clear policy on disruption of events under the alleged protection of the First Amendment. I feel that this should be investigated and I expect that some more cogent policy be clearly stated by the campus.”

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:07am

    the emeny is in the gates. beware these OWS fools. nothing but trouble ahead. prepare. it’s going to be a long hot summer.

    Report Post »  
  • Jenny Lind
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:06am

    Don’t expect much. Best bet is to hold these events on private property, and have your own security.

    Report Post »  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on March 1, 2012 at 9:02am

    These hecklers should of been thrown out on their osses. It is pathetic that this was allowed to happen and than to be told to let them do it. Sad. Hopefully one day the favor can be returned 10 fold. This is why youngsters don’t have any respect or smarts about themselves. They are taught to behave like the idiots they are.

    Report Post » Darla_K  

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