Federal judge: Occupy Columbia protestors can stay
http://www.wistv.com/story/16323441/federal-judge
Federal judge: Occupy Columbia protestors can stay
Posted: Dec 14, 2011 12:52 PM EST
In granting the temporary restraining order against Governor Nikki Haley, Judge Cameron McGowan Currie said the protestors can stay on the State House grounds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with tents and sleeping bags.
Outside the courthouse one of the protestors said "I think it's a great day in South Carolina," seemingly mocking Haley's mandated phone greeting for state workers.
7 of 19 protesters arrested Nov. 16 for trespassing sued Haley and public safety officials, arguing their First Amendment rights were trampled when they were arrested for demonstrating on public property.
Wednesday was day 61 of the protestors' "occupation" of the State House grounds. In November, a circuit judge granted a temporary restraining order allowing Occupy Columbia to resume its 24-hour protest without threat of arrest. An extension of that order was to end Thursday evening.
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