Federal judge puts a hold on arresting Occupy movement protesters in Nashville

November 1, 2011

Nashville, Tennessee: On Monday, October 31, U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger issued a hold on new rules imposed by the state that are being used to arrest protesters. The order came as a response to a request by the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee to block a curfew put into effect by the governor last week. Since the curfew was enacted police have been arresting individuals of the Occupy movement who have been protesting at the Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville since early October. The state reportedly did not fight the order and Hedy Weinberg, executive director at the ACLU of Tennessee, responded to the order by saying, "The state conceded that the temporary restraining order should be issued and we hope that this is the first step (that) the state is recommitting itself to safeguarding -- not thwarting -- public political expression."

The temporary hold on the law is to remain in place for 21 days after which, on November 21, a hearing will be held.