Judge Restrains 'Occupy the Farm' Defendants

An Alameda County Superior Court judge in Hayward issued a temporary restraining order Wednesday against defendants named in a who took over university-owned land in Albany last month.

Judge David Hunter’s ruling prohibits the defendants from entering, occupying or farming on the Gill Tract themselves, or helping others in any of those activities. Another hearing is scheduled for May 31, when the judge will decide whether to order a preliminary injunction against the defendants.  

Michael Siegel, a lawyer representing one of the defendants, said he was disappointed by Hunter’s decision. "We hope we can change the judge’s mind once the defendants have had a chance to present their side of the case at a full hearing," Siegel said.

The temporary restraining order came two days after University of California police arrested nine people in a designed to end the occupation of the Gill Tract and allow the university to begin research preparations this week. The Occupy the Farm protesters had taken over the site, where U.C. scientists grow corn and research genetics, on April 22.

On Tuesday evening in Albany in support of the dismantled occupation.  

University officials praised the judge’s decision Wednesday.

“The order underscores the fact that the occupation of university property was illegal and also provides important support for our efforts to protect academic freedom and honor our commitment to our faculty and students,” said university spokesman Dan Mogulof.  

Follow Albany Patch on Twitter for updates. More information is available via #occupythefarm on Twitter. See all the background on Occupy the Farm on Albany Patch.

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