This statement was developed by the approximately 80 Occupiers who were arrested during October and November to be read on the morning of their first court appearance (March 9, 2012).

We are here today to go to court. We are being charged with being in a park at night, standing on a sidewalk, riding a bicycle, and being in a street. We were arrested for defending our rights.
We thank all of the attorneys, legal workers, and other supporters that have sustained us through this process. We are stronger because we know that they are behind us.
We thank all Occupiers. We are strong in solidarity.
We are here because:
o Free speech has been suppressed.
o Dissent has been criminalized, and is being criminalized through Georgia Senate Bill 469.
o Police violence has been used to silence our voices.
o Our public places have been taken away from us.
We are here because we believe that by speaking up and taking action, we can make things better.
We invite you to join us.