Occupy protests disrupt ports across US West Coast

By Dilip -

Hundreds of anti-Wall Street protesters have blocked gates and delayed lorries at three ports on the US West Coast.
The partial shutdown of harbours in California, Oregon and Washington states resulted in a handful of arrests, but no major clashes. From early on Monday, activists picketed gates, beat drums and carried signs with slogans such as "Shut Down Wall St on the Waterfront". The rallies come a month after police dismantled Occupy camps across the US. Demonstrators said they hoped to hit the profits of the corporations that run the harbours. In Oakland, California, about 150 workers were sent home as a result of the demonstrations, effectively closing two terminals.
Scott Olsen, the Marine veteran who was injured during a clash between police and Occupy Oakland protesters in October, joined nearly 1,000 people marching to the city's port on Monday evening. At Long Beach port, near Los Angeles, up to 300 protesters rallied at a terminal facility and scuffled with police.


Two terminals were also shut in Portland, Oregon, where two people carrying a gun and a sword were arrested. Occupy spokeswoman Kari Koch said they were not affiliated with the rallies.

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