Anti-war protests climax with civil disobedience

By Benjamin Dangl and Brendan Coyne | Special to the Vermont Guardian

posted September 28, 2005

WASHINGTON — Capping three days of anti-war action in the nation’s capital — the largest anti-war protest since the Vietnam Era — law enforcement officers arrested hundreds of people who took part in nonviolent civil disobedience (CD) on Sept. 26 in front of the White House. U.S. Park Police said approximately 370 people were arrested for protesting without a permit. Activists put their freedom temporarily on the line to pressure the Bush administration into immediately withdrawing troops from Iraq.

CD participants had organized before the event through the anti-war coalition United for Peace and Justice (UFPJ), which asked people to sign up via their website in order to network with other activists and receive information on legal issues and nonviolence.

Many organized themselves into “affinity” groups to support each other behind bars and ensure a speedy and safe release. UFPJ contacted the police in advance to alert them about the CD plans and prevent any clashes. Sgt. Scott Fear of the U.S. Park Police told the Vermont Guardian that all those arrested would be released by evening.

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