Judge says Occupy Madison campers must leave

Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. — A Dane County judge has ordered an encampment that began as an Occupy Madison demonstration to leave a city-owned lot.

The judge denied a temporary restraining order that would have prevented city officials from removing the campers. They have until noon Tuesday to leave the site.

The Occupy Madison movement began last October as a demonstration against economic inequality and social injustice. But the encampment has evolved into a gathering spot of mostly homeless people. About 50 to 60 people have occupied the site.

Mayor Paul Soglin says the encampment has become a haven for drug use, assault and property crime. Soglin tells the State Journal the encampment will be treated as a hazardous waste site during cleanup because of reports of needles and bodily fluids.