Officials Are Considering Closed-Door Courtrooms During NATO/G8 Summits
By aaroncynic in News on Feb 23, 2012 6:20PM
The Sun-Times is reporting that local officials are considering closing civil court rooms during the NATO/G8 summits.
Frank Bilecki, a spokesman for the Cook County Sherriff’s office, said that it would be a “smart move” in order to keep courtroom occupants safe. “There are discussions about closing the courtrooms at the Daley Center. It would be a smart move for security reasons,” said Bilecki, who went on to say that protests would affect parking and public transportation to the Court.
Tim Evans, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, said while he expects court to be open during the summits, “it is logical to expect that some judges, whenever possible, might consider keeping their court calls light on days of scheduled demonstrations near the Daley Center.”
An unnamed judge working in the Daley Center told the Sun-Times the rumor mill is running rampant as to whether or not the building will remain open. Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez hopes to meet with Evans next week to discuss the status of the Daley Center during the summits.
The city is also still working on a plan to address potential arrested protesters. Unnamed sources told the Sun-Times that as Cook County Jail is at 97 percent capacity, McCormick Place East or the Old Post Office on Harrison and Canal could be used as holding areas for the arrested.