Occupy Boston Arrests Spark First Amendment Debate

25:30

October 11, 2011

Occupy Boston protesters arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct, early Tuesday morning. (OccupyBoston

What does the arrest of 129 protestors early Tuesday say about the state of the First Amendment in Boston? When the Occupy Boston protestors began their occupation of Dewey Square about 10 days ago, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said he sympathized with their concerns about growing economic inequality in this country. And he expressed support for their right to free speech. Today, he told WBUR he's still sympathetic, but the mayor said the day will come — and soon — when the protestors will have to leave:

I think we got to try to work with them as best as we can," Menino said. "But there is a time very shortly where we hope to ask them to leave the encampment. These type of demonstrations have to end. It's costing a lot of resources for the city of Boston.

Guests:

Adam Ragusea, WBUR reporter
Carol Rose, executive director, ACLU of Massachusetts
Urzula Masney-Latos, executive director, Massachusetts chapter of the National Lawyers Guild

This program aired on October 11, 2011.