St. Pete for Peace Press Conference Regarding Arrests of Protesters - Tuesday, August 9, 2005

Members of St. Pete for Peace, Critical Resistance, Sojourner Truth Center, Rainbow/Push Coalition, St. Pete Food Not Bombs and dozens of supporters held a press conference to discuss the conditions that led to the arrest of six participants in this past Saturday evening's anti-war protest.

St. Pete for Peace stands behind those who were arrested for non-violently exercising their First Amendment rights and remains committed to its mission of peaceful opposition to war and imperialism and support for equality and social justice.  Additionally, St. Pete for Peace views this incident as part of a trend of oppression by the City of St. Petersburg against dissenting views and the free speech of those struggling to make their voices heard.  The organization also believes this situation is a result of the continued privatization of public space that favors corporate welfare over the civil liberties of its citizens.
 
St. Pete for Peace will continue to stand vigil weekly at the Baywalk complex and is currently reviewing legal options.  Thank you to everyone who came out to the press conference.

WMNF coverage of the press conference (starts at 28:15 mark)

View a 1 minute video clip (Internet Explorer required) (Courtesy of Leonard Schmiege)

"ACLU enters protest fray" - Bay News 9 story (no video)