PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

By Indymedia counts, 270 peaceful protestors, many wearing black, marched through Oakland Thursday evening, bringing their message to the sidewalk in a permitted and silent funeral procession. At the front of the march, 8 pallbearers bore 2 black coffins as symbols of those who have died in the war on Iraq.

Police response to the peaceful march was frequently absurd. Dozens of police, many in riot gear, were prepared for mass arrests. Plastic handcuffs stood ready, as did at least two paddy wagons and men with sticks and guns. Traffic was slowed down along the route by the excessive police presence while protestors remained in a dignified march along the sidewalk.

The march ended with quiet singing by the Raging Grannies. After the march, many stayed around to send letters to the District Attorney, asking that all charges for the Pittsburgh 122 (those arrested under questionable circumstances on March 20) be dropped.

[ Personal report ] [Photos: 1 | 2 | 3 ]

A crowd estimated at up to or over 500 gathered at Frick Park today for a peaceful rally and march against the war.

Several speakers, including Jules Lobel of the US Center for Constitutional Rights and Rev. Jack O'Malley of the Association of Pittsburgh Priests, explained why they oppose this war and support our troops at the same time. The crowd then marched down Braddock Avenue into Regent Square, where police attacked protestors with pepper spray (after having moved everyone onto the sidewalk).

Four (reports now say three) marchers were arrested and are being held at the Allegheny County Jail.

Supporters are once again encouraged to come down to the Municipal Courts Building, where the arrestees will be released eventually.

Update: three confirmed arrests by Edgewood police; arrestees have been moved from Edgewood/Swissvale to the Municipal Court/County Jail. Hearings will happen tonight (sunday night/monday morning, 12:15am).
M31 update: all three arrestees released.

Photos: [1] [2] [3] [4] Video: [1] Accounts: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Audio: [1], Transcribed audio: [1]
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After a week of intense anti-war actions and civil disobedience that left more than 120 protestors in Pittsburgh arrested, and a weekend that saw several Iraqi civillians and American and Iraqi troops killed, smaller scale and quieter anti-war actions are planned for the next days.

A group of Oil Zombies plan to spread a message about the connection between our reliance on oil and war at area gas stations through street theater and leafletting [ 1 2 ], while a local activist suggests "busking for peace" downtown over the next several weeks [ 1 ].

Many plan to continue to wear armbands as visual symbols of their opposition to the war. [ 1 ]

Meanwhile, weekly vigils for peace in several locations across the city will continue. [ 1 ]

Larger marches are still in the works; for this Sunday, the Pittsburgh Organizing Group has planned a picnic in Frick Park, to be followed by an unpermitted march. And the some community members have proposed a silent unity march next Thursday that will either be permitted or remain on the sidewalk. Plans are still under discussion.
Update 4/1/2003: Thursday, April 3 @ 5:30 PM: permitted march for victims of Iraq war. "Wear a symbol of your grief --- no signs" Meet at Fifth and Bellefield, Oakland.

[ Post Protest Discussion | 1 2 3 4 ] [ Pittsburgh Organizing Group ]

March 22: Hundreds of people marched through downtown today, mourning the destruction caused by local police violence. Several speeches were made and prayers were said for five unarmed people who have been killed by local police officers.

In an eventful weekend of anti-war and anti-police brutality actions, over 120 demonstrators were arrested, and many beaten by the police. All have been released. For those demonstrators intending to pursue legal action against the police, there is a meeting at the Pitt Law School to discuss the next steps. The arrests have led to significant heckling from aggressive hecklers, but also intelligent discussion of tactics

Related news:

A first-hand account of spending 23 hours in prison
Audio of M21: Interviews & rally sounds
Breaking news from March 21: [1] [2]
Breaking news from March 20: [1]
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