Weekend protest likely last by plant entrance in Oak Ridge

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - A weekly nuclear weapons protest at the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge is expected to be fenced farther away from the entrance by next weekend.

Protesters gathered Sunday on a grassy strip in front of the plant, some with tape over their mouths. The Knoxville News Sentinel reported protest signs read "Y-12 Bombs Free Speech" and "Danger First Amendment Under Attack.

Last month, a bicyclist was charged with misdemeanor trespassing and a 71-year-old man was detained, but not charged, during his weekly peace vigil at the plant. Three protesters broke into the plant property on July 28, 2012.

The National Nuclear Security Administration said a temporary fence will be built this week and will later be replaced with a permanent fence.

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