October 20, 2009

Seven arrested for sit in at Manchin’s office released

Contact: Dea Goblirsch (304-513-4710)
Email: news@climategroundzero.org

CHARLESTON, W.Va.- Seven protestors, ages 18 to 22, were arrested at 5 p.m. in a sit-in at Governor Manchin’s State Capitol office. They were cited with misdemeanor trespassing and obstruction for refusing to leave the office at closing time. The seven were brought to the Charleston police station for booking before being held at the Municipal Court of Charleston. Bail was set at $1500 each, with a $150 bond option. Bond has been paid and they have all been released.

The youth, affiliated with anti-mountaintop removal groups Mountain Justice and Climate Ground Zero, were supporting Coal River Valley residents who presented a letter to Manchin requesting that he repeal the permits issued for mining on Coal River Mountain. They refused to leave the office until Manchin repealed the permits or the protestors were removed by force.