BANGOR, Maine (AP) — Demonstrators from several religious denominations marched in support of Occupy Augusta activists Sunday, the day before a federal judge was to hear Occupy’s request to remain in a park near the Maine State House without a permit.
Occupy Augusta wants U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen to issue a court order that would bar the Capitol Police from requiring a permit for the activists’ “tent city” in Capitol Park.
While smaller camping tents have been removed, two larger tents remain as a symbol of activists’ protest against what they see as uneven distribution of wealth. They also say they have a right to maintain a presence in the park, where they first set up their encampment Oct. 15.
The Monday afternoon hearing came a day after about 50 demonstrators from churches marched several blocks from a Unitarian Universalist church to the park. Some of the clergy participating in the march said Occupy protesters deserved credit for drawing attention to economic equality issues.
In the meantime, Capitol police charged an Augusta man with criminal threatening. Police said a man who goes by the single name Jarody allegedly threatened another camper with a sledgehammer Thursday. Jarody, 27, of Augusta, also was barred from the park.
Last week, activists and police agreed to a standstill on the continued occupation until the judge issued a ruling. Protesters agreed to not add to their encampment and police agreed to take no action to evict them.
The activists say they are exercising constitutionally protected rights of free speech and assembly, while the state claims that the Occupy group has no legal standing. The police also cite the potential of crimes and violence, and complaints by other members of the public who say they are afraid to use Capitol Park.
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