53 Protesters Arrested in Cleveland Officer Acquittal Demonstrations Released

Fifty-three men and women arrested Saturday in Cleveland during protests of the acquittal of a Cleveland police officer who faced manslaughter charges from a 2012 shooting have been released from jail.

Those released were among 56 arraigned Monday morning in Cleveland Municipal Court. All 56 faced a charge of failure to disperse -- a first-degree misdemeanor -- in connection with three clashes with police during a day of protesting in the city.

Judge Marilyn Cassidy heard 35 defendants plead no contest to an amended charge of disorderly conduct, a minor misdemeanor. They received credit for time served and will not be fined, a court spokesman said.

Twenty defendants pleaded not guilty and were released on personal bonds.

One man pleaded guilty and was also released.

Three defendants who pleaded not guilty are being held on bonds set in previous cases.

As the defendants were released, activist groups met some of them with food and water outside the Justice Center, Cleveland.com reports.

Police arrested 71 people Saturday. Those charged with felonies are due in court Tuesday.