N.Y., JPMorgan Sued by Council Members in Occupy Lawsuit

[girl gone mad]

Four New York City Council members sued the city over the handling of Occupy Wall Street protesters, claiming the police used excessive force and should be subject to an outside monitor.

The Police Department made false arrests and violated free- speech rights of protesters and journalists last year, according to a complaint filed today in Manhattan federal court by the council members and 11 others. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM), Brookfield Office Properties and Mayor Michael Bloomberg are among the defendants.

The Occupy movement in New York has held demonstrations and marches since Nov. 15, when police ousted hundreds of protesters from Zuccotti Park near Wall Street, where they had camped since Sept. 17. Protesters spread an anti-greed message, calling attention to what they say are abuses of power and wealth.

“Through unlawful exercises of public power and misapplication of law, the NYPD has sought to prevent and has prevented plaintiffs and other citizens from exercising certain constitutional rights, including the right to public assembly and expressive speech,” according to the complaint.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-30/n-y-jpmorgan-sued-by-council-members-in-occupy-lawsuit.html