Did you know that US courts have been ruling in favor of activists for Palestinian liberation? These cases 👇🧵 show how the courts have pushed back against the strategic use of lawsuits to punish dissent, reaffirming the core protections of protest and free speech.

Manhart v. WESPAC Foundation et al. ➡️ SLAPP Dismissed. A federal judge threw out a commuter’s “false imprisonment” lawsuit against Palestine solidarity groups after the A15 protest and issued sanctions for filing a frivolous case. A major win against lawfare targeting protest movements.

Lavi v. UNRWA USA ➡️ Court rejects terrorism smears. Humanitarian aid ≠ terrorism. The court dismissed claims that UNRWA USA’s fundraising “supported terrorism,” citing Twitter v. Taamneh: no direct link, no liability. The ruling affirms: political attacks can’t criminalize aid.

Parizer v. AMP ➡️ Case dismissed. Court rejects terrorism accusations. Plaintiffs tried to blame AMP, NSJP, and WESPAC for the October 7 attack. The court found no evidence, no nexus, and no legal basis. Advocacy for Palestinian rights is protected free speech and protest, not terrorism.

UMD SJP v. University of Maryland ➡️ Student rights upheld. $100K settlement and major First Amendment win. UMD canceled SJP’s approved Gaza vigil. SJP sued – and won. UMD settled for $100K which SJP is reinvesting in organizing.

Helmann v. CodePink & PYM; Sumrall v. Ali ➡️ A win, a setback. A shifting protest landscape. Helmann v. CodePink & PYM: all claims against PYM were dismissed. Claims against CodePink continue. Sumrall v. Ali: a court issued an injunction against activist Janine Ali despite her criminal acquittal.