Judge briefly blocks parts of Oklahoma law limiting protests

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An Oklahoma federal judge has temporarily blocked parts of a new state law that makes it a misdemeanor for people to unlawfully obstruct a public street or highway during a protest.

U.S. District Judge Robin Cauthron also put on hold Wednesday a provision that could result in fines of up $50,000 for groups or organizations “found to be a conspirator” with someone who violates any one of a number of state laws pertaining to riots and unlawful assemblies.

The injunction temporarily prevents the enforcement of these parts of the law as the court weighs its constitutionality.

The law is slated to take effect on Monday.