2 groups fighting for Occupy Delaware protest rights - ACLU seeks restraining order against city

1:50 AM, Nov. 10, 2011
WILMINGTON -- Two civil rights groups have stepped in to represent Occupy Delaware protesters' claim that they have the right to freely assemble in a Wilmington park that city officials have said was off limits unless they filed a permit and paid a $200 fee.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware sought a temporary restraining order against the city in Chancery Court Wednesday afternoon, and the Rutherford Institute's local representative, Wilmington attorney Thomas S. Neuberger, wrote a cease-and-desist letter to the city saying he would sue unless officials allowed Occupy Delaware to protest on the lot.

"Threats of arrest of these peaceable citizens must immediately cease," Neuberger wrote. "Unreasonable and unjustified time place and manner restrictions on their protected activity must stop also. Otherwise, be prepared to justify your actions in federal court."

Kathleen MacRae, executive director of the ACLU of Delaware, said her group had hoped Wilmington would do the "right thing" and acknowledge the protesters' right to peacefully assemble.

more:
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20111110/NEWS02/111100356/2-groups-fighting-Occupy-Delaware-protest-rights?odyssey=mod