The Bermuda Industrial Union is expected to show strong support for the first protesters summoned to Magistrates’ Court today.

Last night, BIU members settled in for a lengthy debate about the issue and their course of action.

A full house turned out for the urgent meeting, which was called on Monday over the summonses served on union executives and members.

Reverend Nicholas Tweed of the People’s Campaign was on hand prior to the meeting to speak with some of the attendees.

But a definitive statement was not forthcoming on whether they would stage a protest, as police issued plans of their own to accommodate any demonstrations.

Police said that while authorities planned to leave the streets clear, they reserved the option of blocking traffic “if the need arises”.

Court appearances are set to run from today and Friday, as well as next Monday and Wednesday, on charges including preventing legislators from accessing Parliament on December 2, and obstructing police officers.

Demonstrators opposing the airport redevelopment face charges for blocking the gates to Sessions House, and clashing with police.

The People’s Campaign this week called for the community to show up at Magistrates’ Court in a show of support, as well as to offer defendants financial assistance with their cases.

At the least, according to a police spokesman, an “increased presence” of officers can be expected around the building, although policing will revert to normal in the event of a quiet day.

The spokesman said police had reached out to community leaders, and anticipated that any activity would be conducted with “peaceful intentions and lawful conduct”.

Police aim to “accommodate peaceful protest, should it occur, while continuing the normal proceedings of the Magistrates’ Court and other functions in the building”.

The main doors to the Dame Lois Browne-Evans building on Court Street must remain “clear and unobstructed, at all times”.

Plea court sessions are typically brief, and the spokesman said today’s proceedings were not expected to last long.

The statement came with a reminder of court conduct, along with heeding instructions from the senior magistrate detailing that:

• Standing is not allowed, and no further access will be granted once all seats are taken. The room has a listed maximum capacity of 116.

• Banners and signs are prohibited, as are mobile phones, cameras and recording. Persons entering the building are subject to search, and helmets and other heavy items are not permitted.

• Persons in the public gallery must abide by court rules, including silence once proceedings commence.

UPDATE: This article has been amended to reflect that Mr Tweed was not a participant in the BIU meeting itself.