The judge ruled that both the state imposed curfew and the arrests OF Occupy Nashville protesters are a violation of basic constitutional rights:A federal judge Monday afternoon granted a temporary restraining order putting a stop to the arrests of Occupy Nashville protesters on Legislative Plaza. In a surprise move, the state did not oppose it. A preliminary injunction hearing is set for Nov. 21. . .
The suit claims the state’s new policy — which includes an overnight curfew and a requirement for a $65 permit — violates Occupy Nashville’s First Amendment rights, calling it unconstitutionally vague and overbroad as well as arguing that the fees associated with the policy “chill or eviscerate” protesters’ rights to assembly and free speech.
Nashville Scene Reporter Jonathan Meador arrested by Tennessee Highway Patrol:
WAPO: Occupy Nashville: federal judge halts arrests after reporter Jonathan Meador records his own (Video)
Occupy Nashville protesters sue Haslam over curfew
Nashville Scene: “This is like Tiananmen Square,” Frogge says. “I don’t want to overstate it, but Jesus. They sent 75 troopers two nights in a row, and they’re telling us they don’t have the resources to babysit them? They’ve outlawed free speech in the most public forum in Nashville.”
"I can't think of a more quintessential public forum than Legislative Plaza."
-- U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger
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