SANTA FE -- Misdemeanor charges of simple battery have been filed against two employees of the Eldorado Hotel in Santa Fe over a confrontation in January between Occupy movement protesters and attendees at a banquet for legislators. No protesters or lawmakers were charged in the fracas, which took place at a dinner sponsored by the conservative American Legislative Exchange (ALEC) during the legislative session. A local photographer involved in the incident said lamented that only hotel employees, "working stiffs" who were "just trying to protect the diners" and their business, are now facing charges.
"If that's Santa Fe justice, then Santa Fe is really screwed up," she said.
Well, Santa Fe does call itself "the city different."
The hotel's general manager, and a hotel hostess have entered not guilty pleas to the battery charges in Santa Fe Municipal Court.
"I'm surprised," the manager said Thursday. "I mean, ... a group invaded our restaurant and physically attacked our patrons, and I'm the one that's getting charged." |