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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) -- Occupy Charleston protesters have been allowed to stay in a city park despite the posted 11 p.m. closing time.

Police allowed protesters to stay in Marion Square past the official closing time Monday night after first ordering the group to leave.

Police had arrived at the park around 2 a.m. Tuesday and found about 30 protesters, some with tents and sleeping bags.

Officers say the protesters have been peaceful.

Occupy Charleston members say they plan to meet with city officials Tuesday afternoon about where and when they can hold protests.

Mayor Joe Riley on Monday had rejected a proposal to allow the protesters to stay in the park indefinitely.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)