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Washington DC Protesters Face Eviction From Parks


In compliance with new restrictions, an Occupy DC demonstrator packs up her camping gear at McPherson Square in Washington, January 30, 2012
In compliance with new restrictions, an Occupy DC demonstrator packs up her camping gear at McPherson Square in Washington, January 30, 2012

Anti-Wall Street protesters are facing a deadline to stop camping at two public parks in Washington D.C. or risk arrest.

The National Park Service warned demonstrators they could be arrested and have their property seized if they fail to adhere to the rules after Noon, Monday.

Protesters have been sleeping in the two parks a short distance from the White House since October, as part of the global Occupy movement against social inequality.

Last week, Republican lawmakers at a House subcommittee hearing questioned the park service on why protesters had been allowed to camp on federal land for so many months.

Fears of potential clashes mounted after police used a stun gun Sunday on one protester, who was arrested on disorderly conduct charges.

The deadline in Washington comes after police in Oakland, California, arrested some 200 anti-Wall Street protesters who attempted to occupy a vacant building.

The Occupy Wall Street movement began in September in New York. It says it represents the "99 percent," the people outside the top one percent of wealth holders.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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