A group of college-aged activists have been granted release on bond after being charged with conspiring to threaten University of Michigan leaders. This is allegedly due to the university’s decision not to divest from Israel. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrests of seven individuals in connection with this case earlier this week.
Four of the defendants, Zainab Hakim, 23; Paige Feyock, 26; Jonathan Zou, 22; and Colin Weger, 24, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Patti. They each entered not guilty pleas and were subsequently released on bond. Court records reviewed by Fox News Digital confirmed this decision.
Conditions of their release include surrendering passports, avoiding contact with alleged victims or co-defendants, and adherence to GPS monitoring and travel restrictions, according to CBS News.
A photo shows aggressive messages allegedly spray-painted on the Jewish Federation building on the first anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel, as disclosed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan.
During the hearing, prosecutors argued for the defendants to remain detained, citing their potential flight risk and danger to the community. The judge, however, highlighted concerns regarding free speech, noting the case’s dependence on social media content from the accused, as reported by CBS News.
Accusations began after the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, with suspects reportedly coordinating efforts to intimidate by targeting university officials, law enforcement, and businesses they think support Israel financially.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Michigan shared an image demonstrating the intimidation acts, such as displaying fake bodies at Regent Sarah Hubbard’s house. Hubbard expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s dedication to addressing these threats.
Prosecutors allege the defendants vandalized properties with phrases like “Free Palestine,” “Divest Now,” and “Intifada.” Messages were painted on the Jewish Federation building on the anniversary of the 2023 attacks. The indictment details further destructive actions, including locked doors, broken windows, and the use of glass jars filled with butyric acid.
Indictments further allege defendants stalked targets and discussed methods like “poison, bombs and psychological torture.” Feyock and defendant Ahmet Korkaya allegedly devised to harm their targets in May 2024.
Korkaya, who appeared in a Wisconsin federal court, exchanged text messages about targeting a specific family member, reportedly planning to “poison” them.
The gravest charge, witness intimidation, is against Hakim and Feyock. They allegedly threatened an associate believed to be communicating with law enforcement. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Jonathan Hongru Zou and Alexander Sepulveda are also named in the indictment. They allegedly vandalized the home of University Provost Laurie McCauley with the phrase “Free Palestine.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office report this incident as occurring in March 2025.
A search warrant executed at Sepulveda’s residence led to erasure of data from his devices, suggesting warning from an encrypted chat, according to authorities.
Sepulveda’s bond hearing is set for Monday in a Detroit federal court. Those involved face possible penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine for conspiracy charges.
This information includes contributions from the Associated Press.