Prosecution of UC Davis protesters sparks anger, occupation

Sacramento Bee ^ | 4/6/12 | Darrell Smith

[SmithL]

Several dozen UC Davis students are protesting the upcoming court date of the "Bankers' Dozen," the 12 students linked to demonstrations in January and February that shuttered an on-campus U.S. Bank branch.

About 400 students rallied Thursday afternoon at the university's Memorial Union to speak out against allegations of conspiracy and blocking access filed against the dozen in late March by Yolo County prosecutors. The event was peaceful and no incidents were reported.

Students and supporters then marched across campus to Mrak Hall, chanting "Drop all charges," occupying stairwells and the building's lobby. Some students quickly set up tents and tarps planning to bed down for the night.

"We don't know what might be planned," university spokesman Barry Shiller said. "But, we'll be patient, monitor the situation this evening and plan that the building will be open for business when people return in the morning."

However, Claudia Morain, a campus spokesperson, said this morning that the students had been cleared out by 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

The dozen protesters cited in March face an April 27 court date in Yolo Superior Court connected to blocking the entrance to the on-campus bank branch.

The conspiracy allegation carries a maximum penalty of a year in jail. Each of the 20 access allegations filed carries a maximum six-month jail term.

[falcon99]

Yup, these a-holes don’t think they should be held accountable for their actions

[rogue yam]

Lashings and then hard labor.

This “occupy” nonsense needs to end.

[fremont_steve]

There is not need for the lash! This would be cruel an inhuman!

I say - throw them in the Stocks for a month!