Activists call for charges against Eric Jinks and Jason Simons to be dropped, branding the move an attack on freedom to protest
A demonstration has been held outside a court in Cardiff in protest at the prosecution of a teenager and a second man who were arrested during an Occupy protest in the city.
Supporters of the pair, Eric Jinks, 18, and Jason Simons, 36, carried a coffin through the Welsh capital, starting off at the castle where the Occupy camp was briefly based, to symbolise what they see as an attempt to kill off protest.
Among those who joined the 100-strong demonstration on Wednesday was the Plaid Cymru Welsh assembly member Bethan Jenkins, who said the case was a waste of taxpayers' money.
She said: "I think it's important that people have the right to protest. It's important that people are allowed to exercise that right in the way they see fit as long as it's non-violent. To be congregating around a castle and then be arrested is just totally incredible for me. There are many other things the police ought to be prioritising with their cuts to their budget. This seems a waste of public money."
The two men are being prosecuted under section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, which gives powers to remove trespassers from land.
One of the issues that will have to be considered is who owns the land.
Supporters of the pair claim it was given to the people of Cardiff and therefore belongs to everyone.
A three-day trial will be held in June. Police officers and council officials are among those who are expected to be called to give evidence.
Before the hearing, a group of politicians, trade unionists and lawyers called for the charges to be dropped in a letter published in the Guardian.
The group included Tony Benn, the Plaid Cymru assembly member Leanne Wood, who is standing for leadership of the party, and the Newport West MP Paul Flynn.
The letter claimed: "Like other camps around the world, its aim was to publicly challenge both the growing inequality and democratic deficit caused by 'our' failed financial system."
It added: "As trade unionists, elected representatives, lawyers and campaigners, we feel that the 11 November police action constitutes an attack on the right to peacefully protest. Furthermore, the subsequent CPS decision to prosecute, far from serving any public interest, endangers free expression and risks chilling democracy. We call for the charges against Eric and Jason to be dropped. We also call on South Wales Constabulary to act responsibly when called on to 'police' protest."
Jinks's uncle, Andrew Jinks, told the Guardian he supported the protest. "It is good for young people to be involved in democratic political debate and activity," he said.
Neither the police nor the CPS wished to comment before the trial.