March
By GLR ANdReA – Posted on 17 March 2012

By GLRs Occupy Seattle Media

On Thursday, March 15th, five Occupiers who shut down a Chase Bank in the city of Seattle on November 2nd of 2011 heard their verdict: not guilty. When the unanimous decision by the jury of six was announced today the shock and elation, of the five occupiers and their supporters swept the room. “This sets a totally new precedent,” said one young woman.

The verdict was read at 4:15 of the third day of trial, having come after days of argument, examination of witnesses, and cross examination. The city, having brought the charges, put the manager of the Chase Bank branch on the stand as well as three members of the Seattle Police Department. One had been working as private security for Chase Bank that day while wearing a police uniform.

Danielle Simmons, one of the defendants, said after the trial, “I am in shock. The jury decided that our actions were justified and whether this is because they thought it was somehow lawful or just the right thing to do, something is changing, and I think it’s beautiful.”

On the day of November 2nd the five Occupiers chained themselves together inside of the Chase Bank using what is commonly known as a “lockbox.” When a march of about two hundred protests arrived, the branch was finally locked down and customers were informed that they should leave.… Read the rest