11 I-93 Milton Protesters Will Go To Trial In 2016

QUINCY (CBS/AP) – Eleven protesters who shut down Interstate 93 north in East Milton Square earlier this year will be going to trial.

Chanting "Black Lives Matter," the men and women chained themselves to concrete-filled barrels, causing major traffic jams during the morning rush hour January 15. Several ambulances had to be diverted to other hospitals.

View: Photo Gallery Of Protests, Arrests

The group appeared in Quincy District Court Friday where the judge set a trial date for March 16, 2016. A pre-trial conference is expected to be held in January 2016, and that's when the defense will have the opportunity to enter a motion to dismiss.

All eleven face charges of trespassing and willfully obstructing an emergency vehicle.

Following the court hearing, the protesters huddled outside the courthouse and declined to talk about the charges that have been brought against them.

Fourteen members of another group that protested on I-93 in Medford that same day pleaded guilty in October to single counts of trespassing in exchange for dismissing charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and conspiracy.

Those protesters avoided jail time and were ordered to perform 60 hours of community service as part of their sentencing.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports

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