Protesters Arraigned After Arrests At Boston Rallies

Ten people have been arraigned in court after having been arrested at Boston rallies protesting a grand jury's decision to not charge a white police officer in the chokehold death of an unarmed black man in New York City.

The Suffolk County district attorney's office says charges against all 10 people arrested Thursday night were changed to civil infractions and all were released.

According to Jake Wark, a spokesman for the Suffolk County district attorney's office, two protesters — Edward Summerhill, 31, and Addis Summerhill, 29, both of Dorchester — were arrested on the Mass Pike and told the court after their criminal cases were amended to civil infractions that they wished to be put back on track for trial. They will return to court on Feb. 23.

Prosecutors say five people were fined $200 apiece Friday in District Court.

They were among thousands of people who took part in mostly peaceful protests at Boston Common and other locations.

Police say three women were arrested trying to breach a gate at the Statehouse, six people were charged with trespassing on highway ramps and a woman was arrested for blocking stairs at a subway station.

On its Twitter account, the Boston Police Department thanked the thousands who demonstrated peacefully and cooperated with law enforcement, saying: "You too should be proud."

Police Commissioner William Evans, in a statement, thanked his officers for showing "restraint and professionalism" during the protest.

"I am truly proud to lead such a great department," Evans said. "I also want to acknowledge and thank the public for their patience and understanding with the necessary road closures and driving restrictions."

Reporting from the WBUR newsroom and the Associated Press.