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5 House Dems Arrested at Darfur Protest

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 27, 2009 12:59 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Five House Democrats were arrested today at a protest outside the Sudanese embassy in Washington, the AFP reports. The five are being detained, along with three protest organizers, for refusing a police order to disperse. The protesters were calling for the Sudan to allow humanitarian groups to return to Darfur.

“President Beshir has a choice,” said Rep. Jim McGovern before his arrest. He can either let humanitarian groups return to Darfur, “or he can continue to commit crimes against humanity.” Arrested along with McGovern were civil rights veteran John Lewis, Donna Edwards, Keith Ellison and Lynn Woolsey. Former State Department adviser John Prendergast was also taken into custody.

Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., left, and Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., right are arrested outside the Sudanese Embassy during a protest against the Sudanese government's actions in Darfur.
Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Calif., left, and Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., right are arrested outside the Sudanese Embassy during a protest against the Sudanese government's actions in Darfur.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., left, is arrested during a protest at the Sudanese Embassy against the actions of the Sudanese government in Darfur.
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., left, is arrested during a protest at the Sudanese Embassy against the actions of the Sudanese government in Darfur.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., left, is arrested during a protest at the Sudanese Embassy against the actions of the Sudanese government in Darfur on Monday, April 27, 2009, in Washington.
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., left, is arrested during a protest at the Sudanese Embassy against the actions of the Sudanese government in Darfur on Monday, April 27, 2009, in Washington.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
northeast
Apr 28, 2009 12:49 PM CDT
I think that there's a difference between policing the globe and being able to stop a genocide....but not doing it.
riffran
Apr 28, 2009 10:18 AM CDT
as much fun as it is to party bash...lol....in this case I aint...darfur is a human rights shithole....and I am glad to see SOMEBODY...making a stink about it.....Good for them
Fondue
Apr 27, 2009 9:29 AM CDT
Ever see a Repub get arrested for trying to help people? Nope.

UN declares Darfur a 'low intensity' conflict
Reuters

 
Darfur • Sudan • protests • John Lewis

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