*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, November 16, 2011*
Contacts: OccupyBostonMedia@gmail.com
Twitter: @OccupyBOS_media
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Today, after a three hour hearing Suffolk Superior Court Judge Frances A. McIntyre ruled in favor of Occupy Boston, granting the movement a temporary injunction. The order, brought to court by the ACLU and NLG, will restrict Boston city officials, including the Boston Police Department, from breaking up Occupy Boston and evicting protesters from Dewey Square. The order also prevents officials from removing tents and personal property.
After the hearing, Occupy Boston attorney Howard M. Cooper said, “The crux of the issue was the concern that they [Occupy Boston] will be kicked out before they have a chance to be heard . . . . Now, they have a chance to be heard.” Cooper also said that after today’s ruling he felt confident that the judge would also rule in favor of the protesters at the December 1st hearing.
Occupy Boston is very pleased by this ruling and thanks the City of Boston and the Boston Police Department in advance for adhering to the court order. The protesters at Dewey Square respect the court’s decision and look forward to an ongoing dialogue with the city about the current concerns shared by both parties.
Today’s ruling truly demonstrates the power the 99% has when demanding their First Amendment Rights be protected. Furthermore, by prohibiting officials from removing tents and property the court has affirmed that the medium is indeed the message, and physical encampments are a form of free expression protected by law.
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Occupy Boston is the beginning of an ongoing discussion about reforming Wall Street, removing special interests from government, and much more. The continuing occupation of Dewey Square—located outside of South Station in the heart of Boston’s Financial District—is just one of more than 500 separate Occupy encampments in cities across the world and a symbol for “Occupiers” everywhere who support real and lasting change.
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Website: OccupyBoston.org
