Democracy in Action: Arrests at Capitol Building Protests Top 1,000
Via Twitter
Protesters have made their voices heard in Washington D.C. Over the past week, more than 1,400 people were arrested at the United States Capitol for participating in the Democracy Awakening and Democracy Spring movements.
Members of Democracy Spring began protesting corporate financial influence in politics several weeks ago. They were soon joined by members of Democracy Awakening, who protested discriminatory voting laws.
USA Today reported Monday on the protests:
More arrests are expected Monday, the final day of protests when the focus of the non-violent protests turn to voting rights and timely consideration of […] Merrick Garland’s nomination to the Supreme Court. U.S. Capitol Police have arrested more than 900 protesters through Saturday. …
Those arrested were charged with violating a D.C. statute prohibiting “crowding, obstructing, or incommoding,” which are misdemeanors, said police spokeswoman Eva Malecki. All of those arrested were Democracy Spring-related participants. Most were processed and then released on the scene.
On Sunday, Malecki said demonstrators remained “orderly and respectful,” just as they had through the previous week.
Democracy Awakening urged their protesters to wear their “Sunday best” and to bring $50 in cash in anticipation of the planned arrests Monday.
Groups including the NAACP, Sierra Club, Greenpeace, and Every Voice participated in the protests. Actress Rosario Dawson, who has been vocal about income inequality, was arrested last Friday afternoon. Ben & Jerry’s founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, famous for their political activism as well as their ice cream, were seen stamping bail money with the words “NOT TO BE USED TO BRIBE POLITICIANS.”
Great pic of Sierra Club pres Aaron Mair getting arrested as part of #democracyawakens this morning! (by @Javier_SC) pic.twitter.com/voJy3TSZVy
— Sierra Club (@sierraclub) April 18, 2016
Another photo @NAACP prez Cornell Brooks (in red) & Rev William Barber (2nd on right) arrested for #DemocracyAwakens pic.twitter.com/WSX01bMLN8
— ReThink Democracy (@ReThinkDemocrcy) April 18, 2016
According to ReThink Media, the 1,400-plus arrests are the most arrests for a protest in Washington, D.C., surpassing the 2013 Tar Sands protest at the White House.
.@nicknyhart just got arrested at @DemAwakening. Here's why. pic.twitter.com/t7kBcnz1k6
— Every Voice (@EveryVoice) April 18, 2016
Both Democracy Awakening and Democracy Spring members have been active on social media throughout the protests, sharing footage of the arrests and continued activism.
DCPD just arrested 1st group of activists. Money out. Voters in! We believe that love will win. #DemocracyAwakens pic.twitter.com/10nMfyYiLj
— Democracy Awakening (@DemAwakening) April 18, 2016
The peaceful protests were just part of the movement. Activists also met with legislators to discuss much-needed reforms.
Finished our last two meetings with @RepEvanJenkins' & @SenCapito's offices; time to head back to the hills of #WV! @DemAwakening
— WV Citizen Action (@WVCAG) April 18, 2016
Activists prepping to lobby their representatives to #FightBigMoney, #RestoretheVRA, & #DoYourJob #DemocracyAwakens pic.twitter.com/vOLaFdWrnX
— Common Cause (@CommonCause) April 18, 2016
While the protests are over, the Democracy Spring and Democracy Awakens movements are just getting started. They have inspired thousands of people to stand up for democratic reforms and have reminded America that peaceful sit-ins and acts of civil disobedience have the power to initiate political change.
—Posted by Emma Niles
Related Entries
- April 14, 2016 Two Weeks Into a Major Uprising, French Activists Still Staying ‘Up All Night’
- March 25, 2016 ‘Homeboy Creative’ Series: How People Relate to Authority Is Never Simply Black or White
Source: http://www.truthdig.com/eartotheground/item/democracy_in_action_arrests_at_capitol_building_protests_top_20160418/
