King County judge hears arguments in Sawant recall petition

King County Superior Judge Jim Rogers heard arguments for a recall petition against Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant on Wednesday, and is expected to make a decision on whether to certify to dismiss the petition later in the afternoon. The recall charge, filed by petitioner Ernest Lou, alleged that Sawant had "used her position in violation of the law or has recklessly undermined the safety of others" including giving protesters access to City Hall, leading a march to Jenny Durkan's private residence and encouraging protesters to occupy the area near the Seattle Police Department's Precinct as part of the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.