More ‘Take Back the Capitol’ Protests Planned in Washington

Posted December 7th, 2011 at 2:40 am (UTC-5)
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In Washington, a week of demonstrations and rallies nicknamed “Take Back the Capitol” continues Wednesday with a focus on lobbying firms, which represent the world's most powerful corporations.

Police say at least one person was arrested during Tuesday's protests that organizers say are intended to remind Congress that it represents all Americans.

A U.S. Capitol Police spokeswoman told VOA the protester was detained Tuesday afternoon for unlawful entry at the office of a Republican lawmaker, . The spokeswoman said the protester refused to leave when asked.

Protesters marched to the offices of a number of lawmakers saying they wanted to, as they put it, “Take Back the People's House.”

Thousands have gathered around Washington's National Mall, including some linked to the Occupy movement, which says it represents the “99 percent” – those outside the top 1 percent of wealth holders.

Another key group behind the protest is the local organization, OurDC. The organization says it works on behalf of the unemployed and underemployed and is dedicated to bringing good jobs to the District.

The event comes after police arrested 31 anti-Wall Street protesters Sunday at an Occupy DC camp.

Authorities have closed Occupy camps in cities across the country in recent weeks. In the northwestern city of Portland, Oregon, police shut down a downtown-area park Saturday night, arresting anti-Wall Street protesters who refused to leave.

The Occupy Wall Street movement began nearly three months ago in New York City.

A representative tells VOA the group is also holding an Occupy Our Homes day of action Tuesday in more than 20 U.S. cities “to protect families under the threat of foreclosure and eviction.”

'Take Back the Capitol' protests are scheduled to conclude Thursday.