It is being argued that pro-Palestinian activists are possibly committing the crime of “Conspiracy Against Rights” in their nationwide “encampments” at universities. However, they have not been charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Instead, the DOJ is charging former President Donald Trump with the same crime in relation to the Capitol riot. This has raised concerns about the DOJ ignoring an actual conspiracy to violate the civil rights of Jews while focusing on a political prosecution.
Special Counsel Jack Smith brought four charges against Trump over the January 6, 2021, riot, including a violation of 18 U.S.C § 241, “Conspiracy Against Rights.” This law was enacted in the 1870s to combat groups like the Ku Klux Klan from infringing on the civil rights of newly-freed black Americans.
The language of the statute specifies that if two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any individual in their exercise of Constitutional rights, they can face hefty fines or imprisonment. It is noted that prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty in the Trump case.
In contrast, the pro-Palestinian “encampments” at universities are impeding the free expression of dissenting views by students, faculty, and staff and jeopardizing the safety of Jewish students. There are allegations that these activists, who often wear masks to conceal their identities, are tied to broader conspiracy networks supported by international funding.
While the pro-Palestinian “encampments” exhibit characteristics of a “Conspiracy Against Rights,” the DOJ has not taken action against them. This has led to criticism of the DOJ’s handling of campus antisemitism issues and its focus on pursuing Trump instead.
