Politics & Government
UGA Police Warn Occupy Athens Demonstrators in Video: Clear the Arch
UGA Police Chief Jimmy Williamson urged protesters to clear the University of Georgia Arch along West Broad street in Athens or face arrest last week.
A video posted on the website OccupyAthens.org last week shows University of Georgia Police Chief Jimmy Williamson as he confronts protestors in front of the University Arch.
In the video, the crowd of protestors extends over half of the Archway steps, but provides a clear path to passersby.
Williamson tells protestors they may be subject to arrest , and asks the protestors to move away and set up on either side of the Arch.
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"We're giving you ample access to protest, to express all of your rights that you want to express and your thoughts," Williamson said. "We're asking that you set up on each side of the wall and lineup on the fence."
Following Williamson's announcement, the protestors express their disagreement with the position of the University:
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"They essentially demand we cease any activity that could be mistaken for any occupation or meaningful protest against a government and economic system awash with corporate corruption and purchased influence, and all of this in the very place we have legally obtained a permit to gather. We believe and the National Lawyers Guild agrees that these demands are an abridgement of our collective and individual First Amendment rights."
