Mayor Menino Moves to Evict Occupy Boston

In a move expected by the Occupy Boston protesters downtown, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has started court proceedings to evict the protestors from Dewey Square.

WCVB reports Menino filed a 200-page complaint that argues the encampment at Dewey Square is a health and safety hazard. The City says the protesters have First Amendment rights, but no right to live on public property.

"Occupy" protests around the country have been shut down recently by municipal governments.

"I want to have the tools to remove them from the Dewey Square area," said Menino to WCVB.

The case is scheduled to go before a Suffolk Superior Court judge on Thursday.

Occupy Boston and similar protests around the nation decry the growing income inequality of our society and a perception that the system is rigged in favor of those at the very top.

Menino's move comes as the Occupy movement seeks to expand outside city core camps into neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain and Boston suburbs.

Previously, Boston Public Health Commission officials had handed out flyers at the camp about health concerns, and the following message was posted on the City's website. "The Boston Public Health Commission, Inspectional Services, Police and Fire Departments have been closely monitoring the Occupy Boston site at Dewey Square. They have identified some public health concerns and provided a list of basic health and safety tips for those participating in the events at Dewey Square."