Gainesville police officers arrested three occupy gainesville protesters early Saturday morning for violation of a city ordinance. The protestors illegally gathered at the Bo Diddley Community Plaza after the park had closed. Vietnam war veteran John Fullerton was among the 23 protestors arrested Saturday morning. He gave an insiders look at the series of protests and arrests given at the plaza.
The group members says they don't see how they can avoid using other civil disobedience tactics. Fullerton explains these protests are not to be taken lightly.
On Thursday, October 20th, Gainesville City Commissioner Randy Wells encouraged protestors to "make vibrant use of the plaza during the day," but defended the city's ability to close parks stating "We do not want the downtown plaza to be a place that you would camp in." Minister Willie Lewis was also present during the arrests on Saturday and says Occupy Gainesville is not going away.
Gainesville Police Department Spokeswoman Corporal Angelina Valuri gives an explanation of the arrests made on Saturday.
The group started "occupying" the Bo Diddley Community Plaza on Oct. 12, and the city gave members a permit to stay there for one night, far short of the 14-month permit they sought. The group is determined to Occupy the Bo Diddley Plaza until their requests have been recognized.