RALEIGH – The fourth week of protests led by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP has ended in the arrests of more than 50 at the state legislature.

The arrest count and number of supporters Monday reached the highest yet for the group’s demonstrations against the policies of the Republican-held legislature. Both arrest numbers and crowds chanting in support have grown each week, with about 150 people facing charges since the start of demonstrations.

Protesters and the demonstrators say they are angry over cuts to social programs, education reforms, changes to voting laws and other issues championed by GOP lawmakers.