Protesters in Washington to ‘Take Back the Capitol’

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'Occupy DC' protesters stand inside a structure set up overnight in McPherson Square, Washington, D.C., December 4, 2011.

Protesters from across the United States have gathered on Washington’s National Mall for several days of marches and rallies aimed at congressional leaders and lobbyists.

Nicknamed “Take Back the Capitol,” organizers say the event aims to remind Congress to represent all Americans.

Those joining this week’s demonstrations include protesters linked to the Occupy movement, which says it represents the “99 percent” – those outside the top one percent of wealth holders.

On Tuesday, the protesters are marching to congressional offices to, as they put it, “Take Back the People’s House.”

Local group OurDC is behind the days of protest. The organization says it works on behalf of the unemployed and underemployed and is dedicated to bringing good jobs to the district.

The event comes after police arrested 31 anti-Wall Street protesters Sunday at an Occupy D.C. camp.

Authorities have closed Occupy camps in cities across the country in recent weeks. In the northwestern city of Portland, Oregon, police shut down a downtown-area park Saturday night, arresting anti-Wall Street protesters who refused to leave.

The Occupy Wall Street movement began nearly three months ago in New York City.

A representative tells VOA the group is also holding an Occupy Our Homes day of action Tuesday in more than 20 U.S. cities “to protect families under the threat of foreclosure and eviction.”

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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