BATH
Nine anti-war activists arrested last April while protesting the christening of the future USS Thomas Hudner have had their charges dismissed.
Superior Court Justice Daniel Billings dismissed criminal trespassing charges during the protesters initial day in court Thursday.
The activists had been charged with the Class E crime of criminal trespassing, which carries the possibilities of up to six months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine.
“We were very surprised, but hugely moved to hear the decision from Justice Billings,” said Bruce Gagnon of Bath, one of those arrested. “We will continue to stand for what we believe in whether in front of BIW or anywhere else necessary.”
According to a Bath police statement at the time, the nine people — associated with Maine Veterans for Peace and the Global Network Against Weapons and Nuclear Power in Space — were arrested at the corner of Washington and Spring streets. The protesters attempted to enter the facility, but were stopped by BIW security, the statement continues. Bath police said they were arrested after refusing to leave BIW property and taken to the police department, where they were booked and released on bail.
The protesters were calling for the conversion of the shipyard to non-military manufacturing, such as renewable energy infrastructure or rail.
Three of those arrested were also charged in 2016 at a similar protest during the christening of the future USS Michael Monsoor.
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