David Forbes at the Mountain Xpress has a solid recounting here. Check it out. From the post:
Eleven people stand accused in the May 1 vandalism spree in downtown Asheville, a group some anarchists have dubbed the “Asheville 11” and tried to turn into a cause célèbre. On Monday, their trial was set for Jan. 24. Here’s an analysis of what’s happened so far.
On May 1 — a traditional day for leftist political protest — people gathered around town for everything from an immigration-reform rally in Pack Square to an anti-capitalist party in Aston Park.
However, amidst the peaceful demonstrations and shindigs, a vandalism spree hit downtown that night around the Grove Arcade area: Businesses both corporate and local saw their windows smashed, as did a number of cars parked in the area. In response, police arrested 11 people — most from out-of-town — and hit them with a bevy of vandalism and conspiracy charges, eventually adding several felonies to a number of misdemeanors. Bail was set at $65,000 for each individual, though all 11 were eventually released (which hasn’t stopped some supporters from slapping “Free the Asheville 11” stickers to newspaper boxes in town). Some of those arrested, though not all, had a history of involvement in anarchist causes.
The arrest of the “Asheville 11” soon became a rallying point for some anarchists around the country, who claimed that the 11 were the victims of an indiscriminate police sweep.
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When the 11 individuals showed up in court ton Dec. 6, a trial date of Jan. 24 was announced, but the District Attorney’s office is still deciding how to handle the trial — whether the 11 will be tried together or separately — so their day in court may face further delay.