Charlottesville Police arrested 18 members of Occupy Charlottesville late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning when they refused to leave Lee Park after the group's permit expired.
The police acted pursuant to the City's 11 p.m. curfew when officers began arrests nearly half an hour after protesters broke the curfew, Charlottesville Police Lt. Ronnie Roberts said. Arrests continued until 1:45 a.m.
"Everything was peaceful and orderly," Roberts said. He said those arrested were taken to the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Jail.
"Almost all were charged with trespassing in the City park, except for one who was charged with indecent exposure," Roberts said.
Occupier and University alumnus Zac Fabian said the arrested occupiers broke curfew symbolically to protect their constitutional rights.
"While I cannot speak for those arrested, I believe these were symbolic arrests," he said. "They stood their ground to stand up for their right to free speech and assembly, which have no curfew."
He said the police were courteous and professional.
"They did their job as the protesters did theirs," Fabian said. He added that he was dismayed by a small group of hecklers shouting obscenities and trying to provoke conflict during the arrests.
The cases of the arrested occupiers will be heard Friday, Dec. 16 in the Charlottesville General District Court.
Read More
The Writing Center navigates AI’s impact on the writing process
By Lidia Zur Muhlen | 11 minutes agoThe Writing Center serves as a resource for all University students, regardless of year, school or major, to receive one-on-one tutoring on any stage of the writing process.
‘Our U.Va.’ campaign emphasizes expanded access and University independence
By Komal Reddymachu | 42 minutes agoWithin the group, Andrews is running for President, Lawrence is running for Vice President for Organizations and Frost is running for Vice President for Administration.
The ‘Dream Ahead’ campaign focuses on long-term stability, vision and justice
By Lily Kostro | 42 minutes agoWithin the ticket, Mitchell is running for Student Council president, Pérez is running for Student Council vice president for administration and Tran is running for Student Council vice president for organizations.
