ACLU of Utah Secures First Amendment Victory in Criminal Case

SALT LAKE CITY— Today, the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah Foundation, Inc. (ACLU of Utah) announced that the Third District Court of Utah has signed an order dismissing all charges with prejudice against our client, Liz Maryon. While it is rare for the ACLU of Utah to take on criminal cases, this marks a significant victory for safeguarding the rights protected in the First Amendment in Utah.

On May 18, 2024, a police officer approached Maryon and said her name while she participated in a peaceful pro-Palestine protest. In January 2025, charges were brought against her—including walking in the road and disorderly conduct—which were both inflammatory and legally unsound.

"Walking on a sidewalk or street during a peaceful protest is not a crime, it’s a constitutional right,” said Abigail Cook, Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Utah. “Utahns engaged in activities protected by the First Amendment should never be threatened with jail time for making their voices heard.”

The arguments and briefing by the ACLU of Utah asserted that Maryon’s actions were fully protected under the U.S. Constitution. Moreover, one of the Utah laws that Maryon was charged with violating specifically states that it does not prohibit temporary, spontaneous demonstrations. The evidence from the State’s own witnesses demonstrated that she engaged in constitutionally protected activity. The court’s order to dismiss with prejudice means prosecutors cannot refile the same charges.

“This is an example of charging first and reviewing the evidence later,” stated Jason M. Groth, Legal Director for the ACLU of Utah. “Police and prosecutors need to abide by what our state and federal constitutions demand, not what they think they can get away with charging.”

This case underscores the importance of resisting government overreach during heightened political pressure.

“The police tried to scare people into thinking we don’t have the right to protest without a permit or to march in the streets. When law enforcement charged me, it sent a message—one that failed—meant to discourage protesters in Utah calling Israel’s attacks on Palestine a genocide and demanding an end to U.S. support for Israel,” said Liz Maryon, protest organizer and defendant in the case. “We defended our rights to protest by fighting these charges. This dismissal is a victory for everyone who refuses to be intimidated by the growing crackdown on protest rights.”

“This case is part of a disturbing trend–the government intimidating protestors and criminalizing protests,” said Aaron Welcher, Director of Communications for the ACLU of Utah. “Let’s be clear—supporting Palestinian rights or criticizing a government should not result in criminal charges. Protecting your rights means protecting everyone’s rights—it’s how we defend freedom.”