Occupy Rochester, N.Y., hits illegal curfew

Photo: Josie Clancy

On Nov. 2, 400 people met at Washington Square Park and marched to Rochester City Hall in solidarity with Occupy Oakland and Scott Olsen, the injured, Iraq anti-war veteran. They also protested the arrests of 32 Rochester occupiers the week before. There was significant community and labor support.

Some small business owners are contributing food and two nearby churches are providing bathroom facilities for the occupiers. General Assembly meetings are once or twice a day.

One was held Wednesday after the march, and a decision was made to reoccupy the park and to take arrests. About 45 minutes after the 11 p.m. curfew, 14 additional people were arrested while a crowd numbering over 100 chanted, “Shame, shame! RPD protects the 1 percent!” and “Who do you serve? Who do you protect?” “RPD” refers to the Rochester Police Department.

The local ACLU is considering a suit challenging the constitutionality of the arrests and curfew, and plans are underway to challenge the mayor at City Council meetings.

— Lydia Bayoneta and Gene Clancy