Police arrested scores of demonstrators marching against President George W
Bush 's policies in a rally outside the Republican convention on Tuesday,
bringing to nearly 300 the number of people held in two days of clashes.
Policemen wearing masks and other riot gear used tear gas and chemical sprays
to disperse hundreds of defiant protesters outside the convention centre in St
Paul, Minnesota.
Some of the demonstrators were seen in television footage hurling back tear gas
canisters to the police.
Most of the protesters thronged the convention centre after attending a rally
organised by the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign that led to a
march along the city's streets, monitored by two helicopters overhead.
A group of protesters tussled with mounted police and those in riot gear and
were quickly isolated from the crowd and subdued with plastic handcuffs.
Matthew Bombrom, assistant chief of St Paul police, said just before the
protesters were tear gassed that "about 280 folks or something like that" had
been arrested for rioting since the Republic convention opened on Monday.
On the opening day, about 10,000 people demonstrated, calling for an end to the
US-led Iraq war.
Later some splintered off and became confrontational and violent.
Some protesters smashed the windows of retail and bank buildings while others
challenged police by blocking roads. Dozens were pepper-sprayed and tear gased.
Bombrom said some people held on lesser charges were released within a few
hours, while others would be charged with rioting, which carries a jail
sentence of between one and five years.
"We are reviewing all reports to make sure we did not arrest anyone improperly.
We are checking videos. We are checking statements. Once that's done we will
make a final determination," Bombrom said.
As Bush urged Republicans to rally behind their White House hopeful John McCain
in a speech by video link to the party convention, groups representing the poor
attacked the incumbent leader for his "failed" health, welfare and housing
policies.
"We are here today to demand that our government do something about the human
rights violations people living in America experience everyday - homelessness,
hunger and no access to health care," said Cheri Honkala, national organiser of
the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign.
"Stop the war in Iraq and bring the God damn money home," she said, referring
to the more than $US400 billion Washington has spent on the war by the most
conservative tally.
Broader estimates say the total bill could surpass $US3 trillion.
Melida Arredondo, the stepmother of a US marine killed in Iraq, led the march
with a mock coffin of her 20-year-old son, Alex, draped in US flag with his
uniform and boots.
"He joined the war because he could not afford to go to school. He thought the
financial benefits he would get by joining the army would see him through
school," Arredondo said.
Also in the forefront of the protests were handicapped children and disabled
soldiers, holding various posters including "Arrest Bush", "Healthcare now" and
"Not another 100 years - end the war".
Republican hawk John McCain has said US troops could spend "maybe 100" years in
Iraq.
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Cambodia Discussion (CAMDISC) - www.cambodia.org" group.
This is an unmoderated forum. Please refrain from using foul language.
Thank you for your understanding. Peace among us and in Cambodia.
To post to this group, send email to [email protected]
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/camdisc
Learn more - http://www.cambodia.org
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
