FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 21, 2003
Contact: Max Obuszewski
410-323-7200 or 410-377-7987
Thirty-One Anti-war activists arrested in Baltimore
On Friday, March 21, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., thirty-one anti-war
activists were arrested at the Edward A. Garmatz Federal Courthouse in Baltimore, MD. They
were charged with disorderly conduct for blocking a driveway.
The Iraq Pledge of Resistance called for the demonstration. Approximately 100 people
participated. The group carried copies of a letter addressed to The Honorable J.
Frederick Motz. The letter argued that the present war on Iraq violates US and
international law. Between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. the group waved signs at
passing vehicles on Pratt Street. At 9:00 a.m. the group marched to the front
of the Courthouse. The ones who risked arrest then immediately held a “die-in”
(i.e., collapsed on the grass). They also requested that the letter be delivered to
Judge Motz in person.
All requests to meet with representatives from the Courthouse were refused. The
group continued to leaflet, to “die” on the grass, to wave signs at cars and to
speak with the police. At around 10:30 a.m. the members risking arrest moved
to block the driveway of the Garmatz Courthouse. They held a die-in at the
entrance-way, blocking Court traffic. The police subsequently arrested the 31.
The Iraq Pledge of Resistance is a national organization promoting a peaceful
resolution to the Iraq crisis. Members engage in nonviolent civil
disobedience and promote the UN Charter and international law generally.
30
Iraq Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore
806 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212
Ph: 410-323-7200;
Fax: 410-323-7292;
email: mobuszewski@afsc.org
Scott Loughrey
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