The Judge in the NYC vs OWS case this afternoon has ruled in favor of New York City, according to reports. The protesters may return to the park, but may not return with their tents and overnight gear. Judge Lucy Billings, who has since been removed from the case, ruled earlier today that the protesters could remain at the Park after police raided it early this morning.
The operation to clear the park began around 1 a.m., when police handing out notices from the park’s owner, Brookfield Office Properties, saying the continued occupation posed a health and fire hazard.
More than 100 people were arrested during the raid, according to Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Browne.
What happens next with the Occupiers, is unclear.
UPDATE: The Park has just been re-opened and protesters are headed back in.
(YWN – New York)
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8 Responses
WHILE I AM NOT A SUPPORTER OF THE PROTESTERS OR THE LIBERAL JUDGE BILLINGS, SOMETHING SMELLS WITH OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM WHEN SHE IS REMOVED FROM THE ELIGIBLE JUDGES TO HEAR THE CASE BECAUSE OUR MAYOR FINALLY DECIDED HE WANTS THE PROTESTERS GONE.
Hadassa that is not the case, yes it may seem fishy but the judge who ruled in favor of staying had clear connections to OWS. I also was taken aback by it at first but after looking at Billings history she has always ruled with clouded judgement in favor of very liberal ideas
Thank goodness she was removed! and thank goodness they’re gone (almost)!
It is a private park! The owners can ask the police to remove anyone at anytime. Billings pushed a liberal socialist agenda (one which does not recognize private property and rights of individuals over dangers to the community), she was connected to various groups who support OWS, that’s why she was removed.
@Scooterjew If the judge had connections to ows then your right, but if its bec the judge is liberal that is not an excuse to remove her.
The good news is that the protesters are now returning to the park so the First Amendment rights are being respected. They’ve already found alternative sleeping accomdodations in several nearby public parks and warehouse facilities offered by labor unions
If I pitched a tent on my front lawn and moved in, the city could legally remove me and it. There are zoning and other laws that I must comply with. It doesn’t matter if I give myself a fancy name like occupy my front lawn. The city chose to look the other way for 2 months, but they could no longer afford to do so in the face of opposition of those who live and work in the neighborhood. As the saying goes, your rights end at the tip of my nose.
apashita, at 1 am the city figured out that it can’t continue, and so that’s that, right? You’re example of a tent on your own front lawn might be the case, but how do you know what happens if I were to move in to your house? It would take you months to get rid of me. Until you succeed you will have to supply me with water and energy.