en_tn/mrk/12/12.md

They sought to arrest Jesus

"They" refers to the chief priests, scribes, and elders. This group may be referred to as the "Jewish leaders."

sought

"wanted"

but they feared the crowd

They were afraid of what the crowd would do to them if they arrested Jesus. This can be made clear. Alternate translation: "but they feared what the crowd would do if they arrested him" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)

against them

"to accuse them"