Trampling the First Amendment in New York

There is an interesting twist to the arrests of protesters in New York City during the RNC. It seems that the law requires arrestees to be processed and charged or released within 24 hours. Many had been held over 36 hours without any processing. During the same period, people arrested for other, minor infractions like shoplifting had been processed and released.

Why would the city hold the protesters so long (WSJ - subscription)?

According to Mr. Siegel, the teen's mother called Manhattan central booking to inquire about her son and was told that "all demonstrators would be held until President Bush left town." Mr. Bush makes his acceptance speech tonight at the Republican National Convention.

The judge in the case ordered the city to release 560 protesters.