Judge Acquits 10 Arrested During Occupy Philly

Municipal judge aquits 10 people arrested during Occupy Philly

A municipal judge has acquitted 10 people who were arrested during an Occupy Philadelphia demonstration outside police headquarters.

The protesters were found not guilty Thursday on charges of obstructing a highway.

The group had been part of a nationwide demonstration against police brutality on Oct. 22. Philadelphia police diverted traffic around their headquarters as protesters occupied a street overnight and ignored requests to disperse. They were arrested peacefully on Oct. 23.

Defense attorney Larry Krasner says the law recognizes that exercising free speech may cause inconvenience, including slowing down traffic.

A spokesperson for district attorney's office declined comment.

Krasner says 45 more people await trial on arrests resulting from Occupy activities.


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Copyright AP - Associated Press
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