Human Rights First to Defend WESPAC Against Baseless Lawsuits at December 15 Hearing in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA — Human Rights First will appear in federal court on Monday, December 15, at 9:00 a.m. to argue a motion to dismiss a lawsuit targeting the WESPAC Foundation, a small nonprofit dedicated to advancing human rights in Israel and Palestine. The hearing will take place at 350 W. 1st Street, Courtroom 7C.
Human Rights First urges supporters of free speech and the First Amendment to attend the hearing.
Over the past year, eight lawsuits have been filed against WESPAC and other defendants, including members of Congress, unions, and academics.
“Quite simply, these cases are meant to punish advocacy and shut down voices calling for human rights,” said Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, Special Counsel for Human Rights First and attorney on the case. “They are legally and factually unfounded, attempting to hold WESPAC liable for protest activity in which it had no role. Defending the First Amendment means showing up. We encourage supporters to join us at the hearing.”
The lawsuits are part of a growing pattern of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) that seek to silence advocacy and chill political expression. In two of the cases, the only alleged “harm” described by the plaintiffs is being stuck in traffic during protest activity.
WESPAC has never been accused of organizing or participating in any demonstration. The claims rely on the baseless argument that because WESPAC served as a fiscal sponsor to organizations advocating for Palestinian rights, it is responsible for anything those organizations allegedly did — regardless of whether WESPAC knew about or was involved in those actions.
Although the lawsuits were filed by private parties, the Trump administration has intervened in two cases to support the plaintiffs, and a coalition of attorneys general from Alabama, Louisiana, Montana, and other states has filed an amicus brief in another.
Human Rights First is representing WESPAC in these cases nationwide. To date, courts have dismissed four of the eight lawsuits, while motions to dismiss are pending in the other cases.
Hearing Details
Date: Monday, December 15
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: U.S. District Court
350 W. 1st Street, Courtroom 7C
Los Angeles, CA
Supporters, community members, and press are encouraged to attend.
