Justice Dept. March Targets Hate Crimes

Thousands rally in DC for more aggressive prosecution

By Zach Samalin, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 16, 2007 3:19 PM CST

(Newser) – Thousands of marchers converged near the Justice Department in Washington, DC, today, to protest what they say is a lax attitude toward prosecuting hate crimes. The marchers, led by Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III, cited the Jena 6 controversy in Louisiana and a subsequent spate of incidents involving nooses or swastikas, the Washington Post reports.

The Justice Department said in a statement it is "deeply committed to the vigorous enforcement of our nation's civil rights laws," but many contend it has turned a blind eye to racially motivated crimes. "I feel that they're ignoring African Americans, Hispanics and other minorities, and treating us as if we're insignificant and don't need anything," said one protester.

Rev. Al Sharpton (C) and Martin Luther King III (C-R) march around the Department of Justice to protest hate crime issues November 16, 2007 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

People react to speakers while participating in a rally and march around the Department of Justice to protest hate crime issues November 16, 2007 in Washington DC. Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National... (Getty Images)

People carry signs while participating in a march around the Department of Justice to protest hate crime issues November 16, 2007 in Washington, DC. Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action... (Getty Images)

Mychal Bell, right, one of the Jena Six, listens while Rev. Al Sharpton speaks after leaving LaSalle Parish Courthouse in Jena, La., Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007.(AP Photo/Kita Wright) (Associated Press)

People carry an American flag while participating in a march around the Department of Justice to protest hate crime issues November 16, 2007 in Washington, DC. Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National... (Getty Images)

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Justice Dept. March Targets Hate Crimes

Thousands rally in DC for more aggressive prosecution

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Thousands rally in DC for more aggressive prosecution

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Department of Justice • Al Sharpton • Washington DC • hate crime • protests • civil rights • Jena Six

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

50K Rally to Support 'Jena Six'

Huge crowds arrive in tiny town to protest trial of black students

Senate OKs Civil Rights-Era Cold-Case Unit

Bill would give Justice Department $10M a year to examine killings

Sharpton Insists He Still Has a Role to Play

Civil rights leader not threatened by new wave of black politicians

DA Ends Bid to Try 'Jena 6' Teen as Adult

Move could hasten release of key player in Louisiana race case

Jena Braces for Thousands of Protesters

Locals resent activists, fear violence; tiny LA town will shut down

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