Occupy Cleveland permit has expired

A showdown with police could be developing.

(Cleveland) – Protestors on Public Square defied orders to leave when their permit for "Occupy Cleveland" expired Friday night at 10 p.m..

The protest has carried on for two weeks, with demonstrators setting up several tents.

Channel 3 News reports that dozens of CSU students came down and joined the demonstration shortly before 10 p.m. The majority of the demonstrators moved off the grassy areas and onto the sidewalk, but still remained on Public Square. A handful remained on the grass, with the intent of being arrested.

A number of Cleveland police showed up at Public Square, mainly to make sure things remained peaceful.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson released a statement indicating that all quadrants of Public Square are reserved for Winterfest, a holiday display funded by Huntington Bank.

The protesters, who are demonstrating against big banks, say they will not move.

They contend that the Constitution's right of free assembly trumps Winterfest, but have offered to help put up the Christmas displays.

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