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Woman Sues Over Her Arrest For Clapping At Riverside City Council Meeting

RIVERSIDE (AP) — A woman who was arrested after she repeatedly clapped at a Riverside City Council meeting has filed a federal lawsuit.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports Friday that Letitia Pepper argues her constitutional rights were violated.

Pepper, a longtime critic of Riverside government, was taken away in handcuffs last June. Authorities say she disrupted the meeting by repeatedly applauding speakers even after being warned by the mayor.

However, she was never criminally charged.

Her suit names the city, Mayor William Bailey, the city attorney and police chief.

In a statement, Bailey says the city tries to respect free speech rights at council meeting. He also says meeting rules aim to ensure that city business can be carried out without unnecessary disruptions.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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