Minneapolis to pay $165,000 to settle 'zombie' lawsuit

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The city of Minneapolis is paying $165,000 to settle a federal lawsuit filed by seven people who were arrested in 2006 after they dressed up as zombies.

The seven said they were protesting what they called mindless consumerism. They had white powdered faces with dark makeup around their eyes and were walking in a stiff, lurching fashion.

They carried stereos in their backpacks. Because the bags had wires sticking out, police said they looked like simulated weapons of mass destruction.

The seven were jailed for two days but never charged.

Minneapolis City Attorney Susan L. Segal told the Star Tribune that even though she thinks police acted reasonably, the settlement approved Friday was in the city's best interest because juries can be unpredictable.

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Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.