In convention news from outside the Fleet Center, the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston rejected an appeal by the American Civil Liberties Union and National Lawyers Guild to force the city to redesign the so-called free speech zone outside the convention hall.

The National Lawyers Guild responded to the decision by stating “This ruling eviscerates the First Amendment and gives the government carte blanche to confine demonstrators in “protest pens” at those important political events where free expression is most essential.”

The protest zone has been likened to an internment camp or Camp X Ray at Guantanamo Bay because the area is enclosed by a maze of overhead netting, razor wire and chain link fence. During the day protesters gathered at the area to protest the protest zone. In a piece of political theater, many kneeled on the ground with their hands behind their back to highlight the similarities between the free speech zone and Guantanamo Bay.