KELSO, Wash. (AP) — A Cowlitz County District Court judge is mulling a Longshore union request to dismiss criminal trespassing charges filed against several dozen dockworkers and their supporters.
The Daily News reports that the charges stem from a Sept. 7 protest that blocked a train from entering the EGT grain terminal at the Port of Longview, Wash.
Union lawyers told Judge Ron Marshall on Wednesday that protesters were exercising their First Amendment rights to assemble on public, port-owned property and that port officials didn’t clearly identify which areas were off-limits.
Marshall said he’s not sure the prosecution has sufficient evidence to prove criminal charges. He did not say when he will rule.
