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Big Easy Protest Turns Rough

New Orleans OK's demolition of housing despite opposition

By Caroline Zimmerman,  Newser User

Posted Dec 20, 2007 4:30 PM CST
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(Newser) – Police used pepper spray and stun guns on protesters in New Orleans attempting to push their way into a City Council meeting over the impending demolition of 4,500 public housing units damaged by Katrina. Local activists oppose HUD's push to raze the houses to make room for mixed-income neighborhoods. "Is this what democracy looks like?" one protester asked the AP.

At the height of the protest, 70 activists faced more than 50 law enforcement officers, but details on arrests and injuries were unclear. Protesters say that the redevelopment projects will shut poor blacks out of the city and that their views were absent in today's council debate. The council approved the demolition.

Protesters fall to the ground as New Orleans Police re-lock a gate outside the New Orleans City Council chambers as the council was holding a meeting about tearing down public housing buildings in New Orleans, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. Police used chemical spray and stun guns Thursday as dozens of...
Protesters fall to the ground as New Orleans Police re-lock a gate outside the New Orleans City Council chambers as the council was holding a meeting about tearing down public housing buildings in New...   (Associated Press)
New Orleans police attempt to restrain a man before the New Orleans City Council holds a meeting about tearing down public housing buildings in New Orleans, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. Police used chemical spray and stun guns Thursday as dozens of protesters seeking to halt the demolition of 4,500...
New Orleans police attempt to restrain a man before the New Orleans City Council holds a meeting about tearing down public housing buildings in New Orleans, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. Police used chemical...   (Associated Press)
New Orleans police officers force back dozens of protesters, seeking to halt the demolition of 4,500 public housing units, as they tried to force their way through an iron gate at City Hall Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Cheryl Gerber)
New Orleans police officers force back dozens of protesters, seeking to halt the demolition of 4,500 public housing units, as they tried to force their way through an iron gate at City Hall Thursday,...   (Associated Press)
New Orleans City Council president Arnold Fielkow, right, sits as police gain control of protestors before the New Orleans City Council holds a meeting about tearing down public housing buildings in New Orleans, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2007. Standing second from left, is Deputy Chief Anthony Cannatella. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
New Orleans City Council president Arnold Fielkow, right, sits as police gain control of protestors before the New Orleans City Council holds a meeting about tearing down public housing buildings in New...   (Associated Press)
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Council supports demolition
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

US • Politics

 
Hurricane Katrina • New Orleans • housing • Housing and Urban Development • public housing

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