RALEIGH (AP) — The first group of protesters arrested during this year’s mass protests at North Carolina’s legislature are set to have their day in court.
About 20 people arrested while attending Moral Monday rallies against the Republican legislative agenda are scheduled to go before a Wake County judge on Friday. All face misdemeanor charges for trespassing, failing to disperse and violating building rules.
More than 930 people were arrested during the 2013 legislative session, which saw North Carolina take a sharp rightward turn as Republicans exerted control over the General Assembly and the governor’s mansion for the first time in more than a century.
Only about two dozen of the protesters have taken Wake District Attorney Colon Willougby up on his offer of deferring prosecution in exchange for community service.