Four tree-sitters who ended their occupation of a University of California at Berkeley oak grove this week have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges. The four face charges of trespassing and illegal lodging for taking part in the 21-month protest. The group had aimed to stop the campus from cutting down trees to make way for a new athletic training facility. But after the campus got a court order allowing the construction, workers cut down most of the trees scheduled for removal. The protesters climbed down Tuesday after authorities surrounded the remaining tree with scaffolding. One of the tree-sitters is set to be released after posting bail. The other three remain in custody. The four return to court for a pretrial hearing Monday. |