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 [read solidarity statement] 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.
