The majority of the 391 activists arrested during the convention were charged with misdemeanors, which require a court appearance. About 40 people were charged with felonies relating to the sometimes-violent clashes with police on Aug. 1, the second night of the convention. So far, many of the most serious charges have been dropped, said attorney Shawn Nolan of the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Of about 18 adults who have had preliminary hearings on felonies, two people had all charges dismissed and seven had their felony charges dropped, leaving only misdemeanor charges pending. At least four people have had their felony charges bound over for trial.
Activists say they are being punished for legal civil disobedience.
We're demonstrators, we're not protester terrorists. Sorenson, of the nationally known Direct Action Network, initially faced 20 charges including 10 felonies. Her next court appearance is Thursday. McGuckin is a co-defendant with Sellers and will be in court today. City officials said the high bail and serious charges are intended to crack down on professional agitators, or demonstrators who travel to different cities planning disruptive protests.