MADISON, Wis. — The police crackdown on singers who gather nearly every work day in the Wisconsin Capitol rotunda is now in its second week.
Police on Thursday issued 23 citations to protesters for singing in the Capitol without a permit. Two people were cited twice. One ticket was issued for obstructing justice.
The protesters have been singing anti-Gov. Scott Walker songs for more than two years in the Capitol. The latest crackdown began July 24 and since then more than 140 tickets for gathering without a permit have been issued by police under the control of Walker's administration.
The singers argue they don't need a permit to exercise their free speech rights. But a federal judge said last month the state can require permits for groups larger than 20.
