Sixth suspect charged with mob action in U of I’s pro-Palestine protests

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Another demonstrator involved in April’s pro-Palestine protests at the University of Illinois has been charged with mob action.

21-year-old Victor Smith was called to the Champaign County Courthouse Thursday for arraignment in the felony of mob action. State’s Attorney Julia Rietz confirmed with WCIA that Smith is charged in connection to the protests.

Smith is now the sixth person to be arrested as a result of actions taken during the protests. That includes Elizabeth Sotiropoulos, 35, Joseph Kleckner, 25, and Yafa Issa , 18, who were all also arraigned last month . They join George Vassilatos, 25, and Christopher Zelle, 37, who were arrested on the first day of protests.

Each suspect has been charged with mob action, with Sotiropoulos and Kleckner being additionally charged with obstructing a peace officer and Zelle with aggravated battery to a peace officer.

U of I spokesperson Robin Kaler told WCIA that Smith has been enrolled as a non-degree student in the past, but is not currently a student, faculty, or staff member.

Kaler provided WCIA with the following statement in regard to his arrest:

To be clear, Victor Smith’s charges are based on his alleged participation in criminal behavior that falls outside of activities protected by the First Amendment. We respect the rights of freedom of speech and expression and remain committed to providing a safe environment for all members of our community. However, the university does not allow camping tents to be set up on campus property. When unauthorized items are placed on campus property, we inform those who place them of our policy and instruct them to remove the items pursuant with negotiated timelines. If our request is ignored, university staff will remove the items. Anyone who interferes with that removal is subject to consequences, including arrest when criminal laws are violated.

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