Tue Nov 08, 2011 at 12:08:06 PM EST
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| In the Occupy Trenton case, after Judge Mary Jacobson (Mercer County Superior Court) issued her "reasons" for granting "limited, temporary relief," she later published more detailed specific orders which paint a less rosy picture for the occupants and their rights to free speech. The "Orders" impose difficulties in maintaining a 24/7 presence and live streaming. There will be a further court hearing on December 19 on the occupants' lawsuit (Docket C-72-11) seeking a temporary injunction.
The good news is that the State Troopers must return the confiscated occupants' property by November 14. Also the the troopers are restrained from enforcing the rules in the Zawacki letter (created on the fly), but with significant exceptions which prohibit occupants from:
Erecting structures in the park (such as a tent for shelter against the cold)
Accessing electrical outlets in the park (even though they have agreed to pay the electric bill)
Use of a gas generator (important for operating media equipment to maintain live streaming which occupants had argued was an important component of their right to free speech.)
The court further ordered that they may maintain a continuous 24 hour presence in the park but that "nothing in this order shall be construed to let them sleep in the park," which conjures up images of them being evicted or arrested if they fall asleep at night.
Edward Anthony Salter, a stalwart, articulate occupant since Day 1, said this morning he has not yet sorted out the issues nor figured out the consequences of the judge's orders. Occupants today have been discussing less attractive alternatives to the important gas generator, including solar and bicycle driven. Edward pointed out they do have an identified location as a second venue for a tent city in a larger park. He added, "We have an injunction, but one with double talk. This stuff is easy to overcome, but as a result of the orders there is so much tactical, complicated work we will have to do. It's unfortunate that even the State Troopers will have to deal with this lack of clarity. There needs to be more clarity." Kevin Riordan published a thoughtful profile of Edward in today's Philly.com, which Edward particularly liked because "it deals with actual people." |
| Bill Orr :: Occupy Trenton - Court Orders A Malleable Interpretation of Free Speech |
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