Vermont NAACP branches to pay protester citations

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - The Vermont branches of the NAACP are offering to pay citation fines and fees for nonviolent protesters in Battery Park.

According to a statement from the NAACP, Burlington’s mayor has threatened the city will issue citations for protesters who have been occupying the park for more than a month.

Protesters have been demanding three Burlington police officers-- accused and cleared of using excessive-- be fired. City leaders have said they can’t do that.

One officer, Jason Bellavance, will be leaving the force in exchange for pay.

Rutland Area NAACP president Tabitha Moore says by offering to pay the fines, that removes a barrier to peaceful protest.

Related Stories:

Mayor adds post to direct transformation of Burlington Police

ACLU of Vermont weighs in on police discipline discussion

Burlington officer accused of excessive force agrees to separation deal

Vt. attorney general: Cleared Burlington cops have rights, too

Discussion continues on who should discipline Burlington Police

Burlington City Council looking to fast-track police misconduct charter change

Burlington City Council pushes police accountability measures

Burlington protesters to take demands to mayor’s doorstep

Racial justice advocate resigns from Burlington Police Commission amidst protests

Weinberger attempts to break impasse with protesters

Burlington protests continue, police say demands won’t be met

Burlington protests and campout continue

Burlington protesters block Pearl Street during march

Black Lives Matter protests continue in Burlington

4th consecutive day of protests in Burlington

Blake protests reignite Burlington Police excessive force allegations

Black Lives Matter protesters confront police about Burlington arrest

Demonstrators rally at Battery Park overnight to protest Jacob Blake shooting

Copyright 2020 WCAX. All rights reserved.