After hearing from prosecutors and defense attorneys, Judge Lynn Leibovitz said on Wednesday there was not enough evidence against four women and two men to prove they urged others to riot.<\/p>\n
\u201cNone of them engaged in conduct that amounted to urging other persons to destroy property,\u201d<\/em> the judge said, according to the Washington Post<\/a>.<\/p>\n Since the trial began on November 20, prosecutors had sought to blame the six people for inciting a riot, even though they lacked evidence. Prosecutors said the group smashed store windows with bricks, hammers and crowbars and damaged a limousine. Police said in court filings that the damage was in excess of $100,000.<\/p>\n Defense attorneys argued their clients protested peacefully and exercised their right to freedom of speech. They said only a small group broke off and turned violent and that police overreacted by making mass arrests.<\/p>\n BREAKING: Felony charge against first round of 6 #J20<\/a> defendants for “inciting a riot” dropped by Judge Leibovitz after saying evidence, including Alexei Wood’s livestream, lacks a “directive gesture.”<\/p>\n \u2014 Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) December 13, 2017<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/center><\/div>\n The six defendants still face seven other charges, including five felony destruction of property counts, which carry up to 10 years in prison and two misdemeanor engaging in riot charges, each carrying up to 180 days in jail. Inciting a riot, the felony charge dropped, carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.<\/p>\n Today’s dismissal of the felony incitement charge leaves the jury to decide on the remaining 5 felony counts of property destruction and the misdemeanor charges of engaging in a riot and conspiracy to riot. <\/p>\n Charges now amount to up to 51 in prison, down from 61 #J20Trials<\/a>#J20<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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![\"Protesters](\"https:\/\/cdni.rt.com\/files\/2017.11\/thumbnail\/5a0a4777fc7e931e4e8b4567.jpg\")