Chamaki, an Assyrian-American community member known for his involvement with the organization Assyrian Advisors, appeared in court this week alongside Roma and Ramon Akoyans in connection with a March 8 altercation in San Jose’s Santana Row district. Prosecutors formally charged the three men with felony assault and misdemeanor battery, but confirmed that the evidence uncovered during the investigation did not support hate crime allegations.
The case gained national attention in the US after videos of the fight circulated online and early reports claimed the victims, two Israeli-Americans, were targeted because they were speaking Hebrew. Several public figures and advocacy organizations quickly characterized the incident as antisemitic before the investigation had concluded. However, prosecutors now say the evidence does not justify hate crime enhancements.
“The information and evidence we have uncovered, upon a thorough investigation, does not support filing a hate crime allegation,” Deputy District Attorney O’Bryan Kenney stated following the arraignment.
Defense attorneys representing the defendants argued that public opinion had been shaped by incomplete video footage and premature assumptions. Attorney Sam Polverino stated that many observers had “jumped to conclusions” without knowing the full context surrounding the confrontation.
Supporters present at the arraignment included members of the local Assyrian community, many of whom expressed concern over what they viewed as unfair public vilification of Chamaki and the other defendants before all facts had emerged. Chamaki took to Facebook to express his thanks for the support from some community members, writing: "In moments like these, I’m reminded why I’m so proud to be Assyrian. The love, support, and solidarity our community has shown means more to us than words can express. When people are tested, you see who truly stands beside you, and our community has shown up with strength, courage, and heart."
Chamaki has previously been active in Assyrian civic and community initiatives through Assyrian Advisors, an organization focused on professional networking and community engagement among Assyrian-Americans.
The criminal assault case itself remains ongoing, and prosecutors indicated they will continue examining the motive and circumstances surrounding the altercation. The defendants are scheduled to return to court later this summer.
