San Francisco Superior Court Decides to Proceed With Unjust Felony Charges Against a Local CODEPINK Peace Activist

“I am guilty of my activism against genocide... I am guilty of that.”

Today members of CODEPINK and Veterans for Peace gathered at San Francisco Superior Court, Department 20, located at 850 Bryant Street, to demand that District Attorney Brooke Jenkins drop the two felony charges against a local peace activist. The activist is being prosecuted for protesting U.S. involvement in Gaza's ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The charges stem from a February demonstration led by CODEPINK organizer Cynthia Papermaster at the home of Representative Nancy Pelosi. During the protest, diluted washable red paint was used to symbolize the bloodshed of innocent civilians in Gaza. Papermaster is now facing charges of felony vandalism - an unjust punishment for exercising free speech and advocating for an end to genocide.

Papermaster, represented as Civil rights attorney Dan Siegel, plead not guilty to the felony charge as supporters were gathered outside the court calling out the charges as an attack on peaceful protest and anti-genocide activism. The defense asked the judge to drop the felony charge all together or at least consider a misdemeanor charge instead. 

“This prosecution is not only an attempt to silence those who speak out against violence in Gaza, but it also represents a troubling crackdown on free speech,” said Cynthia Papermaster. “We are asking for the public to stand with us as we defend the right to speak out against oppression and we’re asking SF DA Brooke Jenkins to drop the felony charges.”

After hearing evidence presented by the prosecutor and the defense the judge decided not to dismiss the case and set the next real date for November 13. 

“I am guilty of my activism against genocide… I am guilty of that,” explained Papermaster outside San Francisco’s Superior Court. 

For months, constituents have tried to convince Rep. Pelosi to uphold the majority consensus that demands an immediate, permanent ceasefire and an end to the U.S. military packages to Israel that is helping to support and sustain the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Instead of listening to her constituents, Pelosi has accused them of being agents of Putin and telling them to “go back to their headquarters in China.” 

Accusing her constituents of working for a foreign government is rich considering the over $600,000 she has received from pro-Israel lobby groups. You can read more about Pelosi’s connection to Israel here. 

Papermaster’s defense will continue to push for the DA to drop the charges or reduce to a misdemeanor. Nancy Pelosi did not have to press charges and she is using and abusing her power to unnecessarily punish a constituent.

Genocide is a crime. Protesting genocide is not. We will keep readers up to date on this ongoing legal battle.