Washington, DC | www.mpac.org | – April 25, 2025 — Today’s announcement by Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto represents an important step toward justice, accountability, and protecting peaceful protest. We welcome the decision to file criminal charges against Edan On for his violent actions against UCLA student protesters — a decision made possible through months of sustained advocacy by our community and allies.
For nearly a year, we have called on city officials to uphold the rule of law and affirm that violence against peaceful protesters cannot be tolerated. The charges filed today send a clear and necessary message: political violence has no place in our city, and those who commit acts of harm will be held accountable.
This outcome is a testament to the power of principled, persistent advocacy rooted in our shared values of justice, dignity, and the right to free expression. We are proud of our community’s efforts and grateful to all who raised their voices to demand action.
This morning, MPAC, alongside CAIR-LA, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Inkerij, Palestinian Christians for Justice, and other advocates, held a press conference at Van Nuys City Hall to bring further attention to the urgent need for accountability. Speakers included Rebecca Husaini (MPAC), Amr Shabaik, Esq. (CAIR-LA), Estee Chandler (Jewish Voice for Peace Action), Hedab Tarifi (Palestinian-American advocate), Randa (Palestinian Christians for Justice), and Attorney Mark Kleiman. Their collective voices underscored the broad, diverse community demanding justice and the protection of civil liberties.
As we move forward, MPAC remains committed to ensuring that Los Angeles remains a city where all people, especially young people exercising their rights, are protected and respected.
While this represents a critical move toward justice, much work remains ahead. Students across the country continue to face intimidation, violence, and the erosion of their civil rights simply for exercising their constitutional freedoms. MPAC remains committed to standing with students and all those who speak out for justice. We call on leaders at every level — local, state, and national — to act with courage and vigilance in protecting the rights of all Americans to protest peacefully and live free from fear.
We commend the City Attorney’s Office for taking this critical step in upholding the rule of law, and encourage the public to submit to her office expressions of support for this decision. We will continue to advocate for policies that defend civil liberties, promote accountability, and build a more just and peaceful society for all.
Send a tailored Email to the City Attorney now: mpac.org/thank-laca
