Occupy faces eviction from St Paul's after all appeals rejected

Wednesday, 22 February 2012 10:16 AM

By Ian Dunt Follow @IanDunt

Occupy protesters camped in St Paul's face eviction from the area after all their appeals were rejected by the courts.

The protesters, whose campsite has been the focal point of a clash between radicals, the City of London and the Church, are likely to move to the nearby Finsbury camp.

"The five day trial and the hearing last week in front of one of the most influential courts in the country has firmly established Occupy as a leading and influential force in public debate," said John Cooper QC, who is representing the demonstrators for free.

"The legal proceedings recognised their integrity, determination and influence for good in modern society.

"Of course my clients are disappointed that in accordance with the strict interpretation of domestic law, they have not prevailed today but they do not regret one second of the chance afforded to them to make their case and challenge the approach of the Corporation and the Church."

The protesters are planning to now bring their case too the European court for human rights.

The City lobbied hard for the camp to be moved, highlighting reports of drug use and crime in the area and saying it was obstructing local businesses. Protesters demanded the secretive Corporation publish transparent accounts in return for their departure.

St Paul's had the most chaotic response to the encampment, however, with a spate of resignations occurring at the leadership level.

The camp was the Occupy movement's most famous focal point, but with several other occupations around the city, campaigners will be able to remain in other locations.

Occupy also has a strong presence in most western European capitals and major urban centres in the US.

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