Twenty-four of the Occupy Des Moines protesters arrested filed for a joint trial during a court appearance at the Polk County Courthouse Wednesday, according to a press-release from Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.

Of the 32 demonstrators arrested during a demonstration at the State Capitol on Oct. 9, 24 pleaded not guilty. Five protesters pleaded guilty, and two have cases in juvenile court, the release said.

The release said those who pleaded not guilty plan to take their free-speech case against Gov. Terry Branstad to court, some adding they have no plans to stop occupying public places.

"I will continue to occupy public space and risk arrest until corporations stop treating human being like commodities," said Megan Felt, a 24-year old Citizens for Community Improvement member from Des Moines, according to the release.

— by Hayley Bruce