A festive and celebratory mood quickly turned tense and angry Saturday as New York police arrested about 50 Occupy Wall Street protesters at a church-owned lot demonstrators had hoped to use as a camp site.
A dozen or so protesters climbed a wooden ladder into the fenced lot at Duarte Square, according to J.A. Myerson, a writer with Truthout.
He said George E. Packard, an Occupy Wall Street supporter and retired Episcopal bishop to the Armed Forces and Chaplaincies, was among those who had used the ladder to enter the site.
About a thousand people gathered across the street, where dozens of police tried to clear sidewalks as people shouted and screamed at them. Protesters chanted obscenities and screamed: "Make them catch you!"
After the arrests, about 300 protesters made a blocks-long, late-afternoon march to the church rectory.
Earlier in the day, demonstrators played drums, cymbals and trombones, held group meetings and waved signs with a variety of messages -- "Disobedience is civil" and "Sorry to inconvenience your apathy" -- as they marked the completion of three months with a major direct action that could give them a new home as authorities continue to shutter camps nationwide.
Protesters -- flanked by police officers -- coalesced on a nearly half-acre plot about one mile northwest of their former camp at Zuccotti Park. But their potential new landlord at Duarte Square, Trinity Church, has voiced strong opposition, and the move by Occupy is seen by some as applying strong pressure to them to cave in and let the protesters install themselves.
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Showing posts with label peaceful protest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peaceful protest. Show all posts
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
From Russia with Love......or not
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Moscow for a second successive day on Tuesday to demand an end to Vladimir Putin's 12-year rule, defying a crackdown by tens of thousands of police reinforced by crack Interior Ministry troops.
Police said they had detained about 250 people in central Moscow when they tried to stage an unapproved rally and held about 200 more in St Petersburg, where opposition forces have also been emboldened by the prime minister's worst election setback since he took power in 1999.
After permitting the biggest opposition rally in Moscow for years on Monday evening, the police were out in large numbers. The Interior ministry said about 2,000 special troops were supporting almost 50,000 police, and some moved through the city centre in armored vehicles in a show of force.
Police said they had detained about 250 people in central Moscow when they tried to stage an unapproved rally and held about 200 more in St Petersburg, where opposition forces have also been emboldened by the prime minister's worst election setback since he took power in 1999.
After permitting the biggest opposition rally in Moscow for years on Monday evening, the police were out in large numbers. The Interior ministry said about 2,000 special troops were supporting almost 50,000 police, and some moved through the city centre in armored vehicles in a show of force.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Kuwait on the path to freedom....
Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Sabah and his Cabinet resigned today, following months of protests calling for his ouster and a change of government.
State television reported the resignation after an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. It was the seventh time Sheikh Nasser’s cabinet has asked or been forced to stand down since he was appointed in 2006, and each previous time he was reappointed by the Gulf nation’s ruler. The emir accepted the resignation and asked the government to stay in place until a new one is formed, state news agency Kuna reported.
“If the same prime minister is reappointed, there will be more demonstrations in the streets which will lead to social unrest,” said Ayed Al-Manna, a political analyst at Kuwait’s Public Authority for Applied Education. “We might see something similar to what has happened in other countries.” A change of premier would be “a victory for the opposition,” he said.
The standoff has put Kuwait’s semi-democratic political system under growing strain. The country’s rulers have granted more powers to elected lawmakers than other monarchs in the six- member Gulf Cooperation Council, without satisfying opposition groups who say they are still denied a representative role in shaping policy. Their political tussles have slowed economic growth and delayed key investment projects.
State television reported the resignation after an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. It was the seventh time Sheikh Nasser’s cabinet has asked or been forced to stand down since he was appointed in 2006, and each previous time he was reappointed by the Gulf nation’s ruler. The emir accepted the resignation and asked the government to stay in place until a new one is formed, state news agency Kuna reported.
“If the same prime minister is reappointed, there will be more demonstrations in the streets which will lead to social unrest,” said Ayed Al-Manna, a political analyst at Kuwait’s Public Authority for Applied Education. “We might see something similar to what has happened in other countries.” A change of premier would be “a victory for the opposition,” he said.
The standoff has put Kuwait’s semi-democratic political system under growing strain. The country’s rulers have granted more powers to elected lawmakers than other monarchs in the six- member Gulf Cooperation Council, without satisfying opposition groups who say they are still denied a representative role in shaping policy. Their political tussles have slowed economic growth and delayed key investment projects.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Germany: Water Canons on protesters.
Scuffles broke out between anti-nuclear protesters and German police early on Saturday (November 26) in the northern town of Metzingen. This is some 30 kilometres away from where a shipment of highly radioactive nuclear waste was expected to arrive at a storage depot later over weekend.
Police used water cannons on a smaller group of protesters which had distanced itself from a nearby "camp" of some 700 to 800 activists, many of whom shouted at police to "go away."
A heavily protected train carrying 150 tonnes of reprocessed nuclear waste was en route to the Gorleben storage site in Germany's Lower Saxony state. The train left Areva's nuclear fuel reprocessing facility in Normandy, France on Wednesday (November 23) after scuffles there between police and hundreds of protesters who tried to foil the transport by occupying train tracks near the town of Valognes.
The train was the last of 12 shipments of treated German nuclear waste sent in recent years from France to Gorleben.
Police used water cannons on a smaller group of protesters which had distanced itself from a nearby "camp" of some 700 to 800 activists, many of whom shouted at police to "go away."
A heavily protected train carrying 150 tonnes of reprocessed nuclear waste was en route to the Gorleben storage site in Germany's Lower Saxony state. The train left Areva's nuclear fuel reprocessing facility in Normandy, France on Wednesday (November 23) after scuffles there between police and hundreds of protesters who tried to foil the transport by occupying train tracks near the town of Valognes.
The train was the last of 12 shipments of treated German nuclear waste sent in recent years from France to Gorleben.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Finally something resembling higher thought from Harvard as students walk out...
What’s wrong with Ec 10? The dozens of Harvard University undergrads who walked out of the school’s famous introductory economics course this month think they know.
The students’ general criticism is that Ec 10, in which some 700 students are enrolled, “espouses a specific -- and limited -- view of economics.” Their specific criticisms are that economics as taught in this class, formally called Economics 10, failed to prevent the financial crisis and does nothing to narrow the gap between rich and poor.
They’d like a more diverse intro course that includes exposure to more progressive economic frameworks.
“I’m someone who lives below the poverty line, my family’s extremely poor. And having a class like this that promotes gaining at the expense of millions of people disturbs me and bothers me at my core,” freshman Amanda Bradley told National Public Radio.
As for their eminent professor, N. Gregory Mankiw, the implication is that he’s too politically conservative to have such authority over the minds of future leaders. After all, Mankiw is helping out Mitt Romney’s campaign and served as an economic adviser to President George W. Bush.
The students are correct that Harvard’s economics instruction could use some diversifying.
In case the illustrious minds at Harvard miss the point....you're wrong!!! Your views of moral relativism and exploitive economics simply serve the enfranchised. You are no longer a great liberal arts center of education -- you are merely a cog in a machine that evidences both its age and abuse.
The students’ general criticism is that Ec 10, in which some 700 students are enrolled, “espouses a specific -- and limited -- view of economics.” Their specific criticisms are that economics as taught in this class, formally called Economics 10, failed to prevent the financial crisis and does nothing to narrow the gap between rich and poor.
They’d like a more diverse intro course that includes exposure to more progressive economic frameworks.
“I’m someone who lives below the poverty line, my family’s extremely poor. And having a class like this that promotes gaining at the expense of millions of people disturbs me and bothers me at my core,” freshman Amanda Bradley told National Public Radio.
As for their eminent professor, N. Gregory Mankiw, the implication is that he’s too politically conservative to have such authority over the minds of future leaders. After all, Mankiw is helping out Mitt Romney’s campaign and served as an economic adviser to President George W. Bush.
The students are correct that Harvard’s economics instruction could use some diversifying.
In case the illustrious minds at Harvard miss the point....you're wrong!!! Your views of moral relativism and exploitive economics simply serve the enfranchised. You are no longer a great liberal arts center of education -- you are merely a cog in a machine that evidences both its age and abuse.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
We are the World = remember that...
Protests against widening income disparity took place across western Europe and Asia today as the Occupy Wall Street movement spread around the globe. Rome’s demonstration turned violent, contrasting with events elsewhere.
More than 500 marchers wielding clubs attacked police, two banks and a supermarket in Rome, Sky TG24 reported. Authorities responded with tear gas and water cannon. In London, police barred protesters from entering Paternoster Square, home to the London Stock Exchange. In Frankfurt, 5,000 marchers gathered by the European Central Bank headquarters, firing soap bubbles from toy pistols with plans to camp out, said ZDF German television.
In the shadow of London’s St. Paul’s cathedral, protesters waved banners with slogans that read “No bulls, no bears, just pigs” and “Bankers are the Real Looters.”
“The financial system benefits a handful of banks at the expense of everyday people, the taxpayers,” said Spyro Van Leemnen, a 27-year old public relations agent and a core member of the London demonstrators. “The same people who are responsible for the recession are getting away with massive bonuses. This is fundamentally unfair and undemocratic.”
The Occupy Wall Street rallies started last month in New York’s financial district, where people have been staying in Lower Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park to protest inequality and advocate higher taxes for the wealthy. The Occupy London Stock Exchange protest drew about 4,000 people, according to its organizers. Police didn’t provide a number.
More than 500 marchers wielding clubs attacked police, two banks and a supermarket in Rome, Sky TG24 reported. Authorities responded with tear gas and water cannon. In London, police barred protesters from entering Paternoster Square, home to the London Stock Exchange. In Frankfurt, 5,000 marchers gathered by the European Central Bank headquarters, firing soap bubbles from toy pistols with plans to camp out, said ZDF German television.
In the shadow of London’s St. Paul’s cathedral, protesters waved banners with slogans that read “No bulls, no bears, just pigs” and “Bankers are the Real Looters.”
“The financial system benefits a handful of banks at the expense of everyday people, the taxpayers,” said Spyro Van Leemnen, a 27-year old public relations agent and a core member of the London demonstrators. “The same people who are responsible for the recession are getting away with massive bonuses. This is fundamentally unfair and undemocratic.”
The Occupy Wall Street rallies started last month in New York’s financial district, where people have been staying in Lower Manhattan’s Zuccotti Park to protest inequality and advocate higher taxes for the wealthy. The Occupy London Stock Exchange protest drew about 4,000 people, according to its organizers. Police didn’t provide a number.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Battle for New York!!!
New York City police using pepper spray and batons violently confronted a crowd of demonstrators and journalists who had converged near barricades at the entrance to Wall Street on Wednesday night, as part of ongoing protests in the United States' financial capital over wealth inequality and a host of other grievances.
The Resistance!!!
CHICAGO—The offshoot here of the anti-Wall Street protests in New York ran up against police resistance Wednesday and protesters dismantled their base outside this city's Federal Reserve Bank, but they vowed to maintain their presence on the corner indefinitely.
Occupy Chicago has been one of the largest spinoffs of the 19-day-old "Occupy Wall Street" movement, which stands against "greed and corruption" by the wealthiest 1% of the population.
Around the clock for nearly two weeks, dozens and sometimes hundreds of protesters have occupied a bustling corner here outside the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade, building.
"We're here for justice — our sign says it all, and our sign says, 'Stop government crimes,'" said Chris Fogarty, as he stood with his wife, Mary O'Sullivan, on LaSalle Street. "And the other side says, 'Restore our laws.'"
Occupy Chicago has been one of the largest spinoffs of the 19-day-old "Occupy Wall Street" movement, which stands against "greed and corruption" by the wealthiest 1% of the population.
Around the clock for nearly two weeks, dozens and sometimes hundreds of protesters have occupied a bustling corner here outside the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank and the Chicago Board of Trade, building.
"We're here for justice — our sign says it all, and our sign says, 'Stop government crimes,'" said Chris Fogarty, as he stood with his wife, Mary O'Sullivan, on LaSalle Street. "And the other side says, 'Restore our laws.'"
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Police State USA emerges on Liberty Street!!!!
The police made scores of arrests on Saturday as hundreds of people, many of whom had been encamped in the financial district as part of a lengthy protest, marched north to Union Square. As darkness fell, large numbers of officers were deployed on streets near the encampment in Zuccotti Park, at Broadway and Liberty Street, where hundreds more people had gathered.
Paul J. Browne, the Police Department’s chief spokesman, said in a statement, “There were approximately 80 arrests, mainly for disorderly conduct by individuals who blocked vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but also for resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and, in one instance, for assault on a police officer.”
Protest organizers estimated that about 85 people were arrested and that about five were struck with pepper spray. Among those was Chelsea Elliott, 25, who said that she was sprayed after shouting “Why are you doing that?” as an officer arrested a protester at East 12th Street.
“I was on the ground sobbing and couldn’t breathe,” she said. The continuing protests, against a financial system that participants say favors the rich and powerful over ordinary citizens, started last Saturday and were coordinated by a New York group called the General Assembly.
Many of those taking part have slept in Zuccotti Park, which is private, using it as a base. In the early afternoon hundreds of people left the park and moved north toward Union Square. Witnesses said that for much of the route, protesters spilled from sidewalks onto streets and added that the police used long orange nets at Fifth Avenue and 14th Street in an apparent attempt to block the march from proceeding.
Many marchers, however, detoured and entered Union Square before eventually turning south again. Video showed a confusing scene as protesters went south on University Place, where motor vehicles run north.
At 12th Street the orange nets again were used, this time to box in protesters between University Place and Fifth Avenue. About 3 p.m., more than two dozen people sat, handcuffed, on the sidewalk.
Nearby, two other protesters standing handcuffed on Fifth Avenue told a reporter that they had both been arrested on sidewalks and were not aware of having broken any law.
“They put up orange nets and tried to kettle us and we started running and they started tackling random people and handcuffing them,” said Kelly Brannon, 27, of Ridgewood, Queens. “They were herding us like cattle.”
Next to her, David Smith, from Maine, said that he had been chanting “Let them go” as people were handcuffed, and was then arrested by a senior officer who told him that he was being charged with obstructing governmental administration.
After his arrest, one protester posted a Twitter message about his experiences from a bus taking him downtown.
@DustinSlaughter there’s 50+ of us arrested in a caravan, netted & maced by police after standing on sidewalk where they told us to
Sat Sep 24 20:12:15 via Twitter for iPhone
JRL
NONVIOLENCE
PulseOfProtest
Many demonstrators made their way back down to Zuccotti Park, where they were joined by new arrivals. “Right now we are more determined than ever that what we are doing is necessary and correct,” said Patrick Bruner, a spokesman for the protesters.
New rules posted in the park on Saturday seemed aimed at the protesters. In addition to bicycle riding, camping gear and sleeping bags were now also banned.
Paul J. Browne, the Police Department’s chief spokesman, said in a statement, “There were approximately 80 arrests, mainly for disorderly conduct by individuals who blocked vehicular and pedestrian traffic, but also for resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration and, in one instance, for assault on a police officer.”
Protest organizers estimated that about 85 people were arrested and that about five were struck with pepper spray. Among those was Chelsea Elliott, 25, who said that she was sprayed after shouting “Why are you doing that?” as an officer arrested a protester at East 12th Street.
“I was on the ground sobbing and couldn’t breathe,” she said. The continuing protests, against a financial system that participants say favors the rich and powerful over ordinary citizens, started last Saturday and were coordinated by a New York group called the General Assembly.
Many of those taking part have slept in Zuccotti Park, which is private, using it as a base. In the early afternoon hundreds of people left the park and moved north toward Union Square. Witnesses said that for much of the route, protesters spilled from sidewalks onto streets and added that the police used long orange nets at Fifth Avenue and 14th Street in an apparent attempt to block the march from proceeding.
Many marchers, however, detoured and entered Union Square before eventually turning south again. Video showed a confusing scene as protesters went south on University Place, where motor vehicles run north.
At 12th Street the orange nets again were used, this time to box in protesters between University Place and Fifth Avenue. About 3 p.m., more than two dozen people sat, handcuffed, on the sidewalk.
Nearby, two other protesters standing handcuffed on Fifth Avenue told a reporter that they had both been arrested on sidewalks and were not aware of having broken any law.
“They put up orange nets and tried to kettle us and we started running and they started tackling random people and handcuffing them,” said Kelly Brannon, 27, of Ridgewood, Queens. “They were herding us like cattle.”
Next to her, David Smith, from Maine, said that he had been chanting “Let them go” as people were handcuffed, and was then arrested by a senior officer who told him that he was being charged with obstructing governmental administration.
After his arrest, one protester posted a Twitter message about his experiences from a bus taking him downtown.
@DustinSlaughter there’s 50+ of us arrested in a caravan, netted & maced by police after standing on sidewalk where they told us to
Sat Sep 24 20:12:15 via Twitter for iPhone
JRL
NONVIOLENCE
PulseOfProtest
Many demonstrators made their way back down to Zuccotti Park, where they were joined by new arrivals. “Right now we are more determined than ever that what we are doing is necessary and correct,” said Patrick Bruner, a spokesman for the protesters.
New rules posted in the park on Saturday seemed aimed at the protesters. In addition to bicycle riding, camping gear and sleeping bags were now also banned.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
UAE Peaceful Protesters for Indian Hunger Striker Arrested!
Social activist and civil society leader Anna Hazare, who is on fast demanding the passing of Jan Lok Pal bill to fight against corruption, has received overwhelming support not only from fellow citizens of the nation, but non-resident Indians who spread across the world as well.
In UAE, where laws pertaining to carrying protest marches without prior permission are strict, at least five Indians were arrested for protesting in support of Anna Hazare, on Saturday August 20 evening.
It has been reported that on Monday August 22 three more Indians were arrested for the Saturday protest.
A group of around 150 people gathered at Al Mamzar beach, brought together through a campaign on Facebook. While the group was marching with slogans, banners and Indian flags in support of Anna Hazare, Dubai police reached the spot and asked only the leaders who initiated the march to stay and the rest of the people to leave the place.
It is learnt from reliable source that a case has been booked against the leaders for illegally organising the march through Facebook without obtaining permission.
In UAE, where laws pertaining to carrying protest marches without prior permission are strict, at least five Indians were arrested for protesting in support of Anna Hazare, on Saturday August 20 evening.
It has been reported that on Monday August 22 three more Indians were arrested for the Saturday protest.
A group of around 150 people gathered at Al Mamzar beach, brought together through a campaign on Facebook. While the group was marching with slogans, banners and Indian flags in support of Anna Hazare, Dubai police reached the spot and asked only the leaders who initiated the march to stay and the rest of the people to leave the place.
It is learnt from reliable source that a case has been booked against the leaders for illegally organising the march through Facebook without obtaining permission.
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