5 House Dems Arrested at Darfur Protest

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. (More John Lewis stories.)