Innocent Pleas For Those Arrested In 520 Protest

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By By Molly Shen

Summary

Six demonstrators who tied up the 520 bridge last month face charges of disorderly conduct, hope they inspired others.

Story Published: Mar 25, 2003 at 8:17 AM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:00 AM PDT

Innocent Pleas For Those Arrested In 520 Protest
SEATTLE - Six anti-war protesters who recently blocked the 520 bridge in Seattle appeared in court Tuesday. All six entered pleas of not guilty to charges of disorderly conduct.

The six were part of a small band of demonstrators who erected a tripod in the eastbound lanes during the middle of the morning commute in mid-February. Traffic was snarled until the State Patrol moved in and arrested them.

After Tuesday's court appearance, one of the demonstrators told KOMO 4 News she hoped their actions inspired others to take direct action against the war. Protester Kimberly Russell-Martin said she and her comrades wanted to increase the cost of the war with their actions.

The State Patrol was not inspired at all by the protest. Trooper Monica Hunter told KOMO 4 News the State Patrol sees this sort of thing as a recipe for road rage and accidents.

No trial date has been set. The next court date was set for April 21.