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Hamburg, Germany 2014/06/30
Protest against Ikea opening
Protesters and local residents gathered against the first German Inner City Ikea. Police and Security is protecting the entrances.
Within 2 years Ikea erected a 7 story bunker building in the heart of Altona-Altstadt, a multi ethnical residential area. Protesters make Ikea accountable for increasing rents, increasing traffic and pollution and the effects of a wider gentrification, which will force people with lower income out of their inhabited area and local business to shut down.
Protests took place in Rochdale on Saturday 22 July 2017.
The Force worked to ensure the events took place safely and ensuring the right to protest while minimising any disruption to the local community.
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, Borough Commander, said: “This has been a challenging day with hundreds of people attending Rochdale town centre for the protest.
“I understand that these events are very emotive and that tensions may run high when there are polarised views and counter-protests.
“However, we have worked jointly with Rochdale Council and the community to ensure the most effective way to facilitate and manage this protest in a balanced and safe manner.
“This has very much been a community focused operation aimed at reducing the impact of the protest on the normal lives of people in Rochdale.
“I would like also like to thank members of the community who have acted as mediators and helped the smooth running of today’s event.
“In order to ensure we could deliver a safe operation we deployed large numbers of police which meant another busy weekend for officers, who have worked long hours in challenging circumstances to look after our communities.
“It was pleasing to see that this protest did not stop the people of Rochdale from going about their normal activities.”
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Protests took place in Rochdale on Saturday 22 July 2017.
The Force worked to ensure the events took place safely and ensuring the right to protest while minimising any disruption to the local community.
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, Borough Commander, said: “This has been a challenging day with hundreds of people attending Rochdale town centre for the protest.
“I understand that these events are very emotive and that tensions may run high when there are polarised views and counter-protests.
“However, we have worked jointly with Rochdale Council and the community to ensure the most effective way to facilitate and manage this protest in a balanced and safe manner.
“This has very much been a community focused operation aimed at reducing the impact of the protest on the normal lives of people in Rochdale.
“I would like also like to thank members of the community who have acted as mediators and helped the smooth running of today’s event.
“In order to ensure we could deliver a safe operation we deployed large numbers of police which meant another busy weekend for officers, who have worked long hours in challenging circumstances to look after our communities.
“It was pleasing to see that this protest did not stop the people of Rochdale from going about their normal activities.”
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Qalandia checkpoint divides Ramallah from Jerusalem. It is a point of regular humiliation for Palestinians.
On Friday 13th May, a protest started gathering at the Checkpoint and the Israeli Army tried to disperse it with tear gas.
People didn't leave, though, and skirmishes carried on throughout the day.
At least five Palestinians were seriously injured.
Hundreds of protestors marched through Melbourne's CBD on August 24, 2013 to protest against harsh new Australian government and opposition policies on refugees and asylum seekers.
more protester Nesli. Sakarya is the general area where we live. They are walking to Ankara (Nesli walking here for moral support for a couple hours) maybe a couple of weeks more walking for them to raise attention to the way people get elected in Turkey. It needs to change. That's Nesli in the middle and the organizer the woman that started it on the far left.
Protests took place in Rochdale on Saturday 22 July 2017.
The Force worked to ensure the events took place safely and ensuring the right to protest while minimising any disruption to the local community.
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, Borough Commander, said: “This has been a challenging day with hundreds of people attending Rochdale town centre for the protest.
“I understand that these events are very emotive and that tensions may run high when there are polarised views and counter-protests.
“However, we have worked jointly with Rochdale Council and the community to ensure the most effective way to facilitate and manage this protest in a balanced and safe manner.
“This has very much been a community focused operation aimed at reducing the impact of the protest on the normal lives of people in Rochdale.
“I would like also like to thank members of the community who have acted as mediators and helped the smooth running of today’s event.
“In order to ensure we could deliver a safe operation we deployed large numbers of police which meant another busy weekend for officers, who have worked long hours in challenging circumstances to look after our communities.
“It was pleasing to see that this protest did not stop the people of Rochdale from going about their normal activities.”
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Demonstrators continue to block the entrances to the H St NE Wal-Mart to protest their part in the death of John Crawford.
Semi-Finalists Decided in Excellent Conditions at ASP 4-Star Protest Vendee Pro
La Sauzaie (Sunday, April 24, 2011) – Semi-Finalists were decided at the Protest Vendee Pro in excellent 4-5ft (1.5m) waves at La Sauzaie in an explosive morning session of competition which saw Alain Riou (Tahiti, PYF) 27, Chris Friend (Sunshine Coast, AUS) 20, Marlon Lipke (DEU) 27, and Tim Boal (Anglet, FRA) 27, remain in the hunt for this year's Protest Vendee Pro 2011 title.
Event officials and surfers were greeted with an overnight swell increase and light off-shore winds which combed the main peak throughout the entire day to offer the perfect playing field for modern progressive surfing.
Protest team rider Marlon Lipke destroyed the peeling lefts along the La Sauzaie reef with powerful gouges and flowing carves to completely dominate all three of his heats and enters the business end of the competition as one of the firm favourites. Lipke was one of the few competitors who have managed to read to perfection the shifting peak of La Sauzaie and only potentially high scoring waves.
“The left really suits me because it has a lot of open space to carve it through and then sometimes it jacks up and you can do a top turn and when that happens it is a plus for me to get the score. The normal left that runs through with a little bit of wall is really carvable but on the backhand it is not so.”
Lipke, a former Dream Tour member, grew in confidence with each of his appearances displaying signs of his surfing which sent him into the elite Top 44 in the 2009 season.
“I think the first heat I was still feeling the butterflies in my stomach but after that I relaxed and with each heat I am gaining more confidence. I kind of feel that I can get some waves and surf them the way I know how to and get some scores. Stoked to make a few heats as it has been a while and looking forward to tomorrow.”
Alain Riou came out on top of inform surfer Marc Lacomare (Hossegor, FRA) 19, who earlier in the day had posted the highest heat total of 17.00 out of 20 which included a deep backhand barrel followed by a savage snap in the pocket. To add to the drama, a power failure left competitors without scores for part of the heat.
“I knew Marc (Lacomare) didn't have any solid ones so even though there was no electricity I knew I was in the lead with the second wave I got, explained Riou. “I got a good wave first and then I sat a long time with priority. For 15 minutes there were waves but none that we wanted to catch so I sat there and eventually got one which wasn't great but I did a couple of ok turns and with a 6.00 I knew I had the lead but I also knew I had to get back out there and make the most of the priority.”
Riou, who finished equal 3rd, last week in Scotland, makes his second semi-final appearance in as many weeks and coming out on top over Lacomare made his achievement even more satisfying.
“I happy with the win because Marc (Lacomare) is an up-and-comer and a young surfer with a lot of hype about him so I knew it was going to be a tough one. There were quite a few good lefts in our heat and he kept away from them and was focused on the rights and he can do a lot of damage on the lefts with his airs as well so stoked to beat him and make it to the semis. Two semis inrow when I haven't made one in about two years.” (laughs)
Chris Friend ousted Vincent Duvignac (FRA) with flowing rail carves and forehand smashes on the La Sauzaie right and has secured his best result since a serious foot injury last year kept him from competitive surfing. On his first visit to the Protest Vendee Pro, Friend has adjusted quickly to the tidal changes and their effects on the main peak.
“I am so happy because this is my first result since I broke my foot and I am feeling really good and having fun out there. The waves are really good but with the tide it changes so much after each heat. I was watching the water two heats before mine and then I went off to get changed and came back and it was completely different so I had to sit down and talk to my mates and see what it was doing and readjust everything. The quality of the wave is good, it is just difficult trying to read where the reef sits and where the waves are the best.”
The young Australian was not rattled by his slow start and adjusted to perfection his wave ion and the changing conditions to gain the lead and hold on to make the semi-finals.
“Vincent I think tried to get the ball rolling quickly but I decided to wait and get a good wave which I didn't get until the last ten minutes so I had to change my game plan. I was initially going to go out there and wait for the sets but I ended up catching some of the inside ones and tried to build a house in the last part of the heat and it worked.”
Tim Boal, a former winner here in 2007, had a slow start to his heat due to an error in timing however managed to come out on top of former World Tour surfer Mickey Picon (FRA) despite not surfing to his full potential. In a tactical battle between two of Europe's most experienced campaigners, both surfers ed different peaks to surf and it proved the longer Rights ed by Boal to be the superior scoring waves.
“I paddled out late because I missed timed my changing and Mickey started off well but then I got my first one and a score on the board. I missed one good wave but then got really lucky at the end to get a good score. I blew it a couple of times in that heat so I'm lucky I made it.”
Boal will face fellow Protest team rider Marlon Lipke in semi-final number two when competition resumes tomorrow and hopes to get his surfing act together in time for the encounter.
“It will be a fun heat and hopefully I can surf a bit better. I haven't been really happy with my surfing but sometimes you think you surf well and you don't make any heats and sometimes it is the other way around. But I'll take the win.” (laughs)
The Protest Vendee Pro, stop nº2 on the Asp Europe Men's Series, offers surfers valuable ranking points on both the Asp Europe Men's Series and the Asp World rankings.
The Protest Vendee Pro is scheduled from April 21-25, 2011. For more information, and all upcoming results, photos, video highlights, press releases and LIVE web log-on to www.aspeurope.com
Upcoming Protest Vendee Pro Semi-Finals
Heat 1: Alain Riou (PYF) Vs Chris Friend (AUS)
Heat 2: Marlon Lipke (DEU) Vs Tim Boal (FRA)
Protest Vendee Pro Round Quarter-Final Results
Heat 1: Alain Riou (PYF) 12.60 Def. Marc Lacomare (FRA) 9.74
Heat 2: Chris Friend (AUS) 12.07 Def. Vincent Duvignac (FRA) 9.07
Heat 3: Marlon Lipke (DEU) 14.67 Def. Justin Mujica (PRT) 8.50
Heat 4: Tim Boal (FRA) 13.33 Def. Mickey Picon (FRA) 10.67
Protest Vendee Pro Round Five Results
Heat 1: Marc Lacomare (FRA) 17.00, Vincent Duvignac (FRA) 10.84, Frederico Morais (PRT) 10.77, Brent Dorrington (AUS) 4.86
Heat 2: Chris Friend (AUS) 11.93, Alain Riou (PYF) 10.14, Adrien Toyon (REU) 9.80, Hugo Savalli (REU) 8.87
Heat 3: Marlon Lipke (DEU) 16.07, Tim Boal (FRA) 14.37, Gregory Pastusiak (FRA) 7.93, Charles Martin (GLP) 7.54
Heat 4: Mickey Picon (FRA) 14.76, Justin Mujica (PRT) 11.57, Adrien Valero (FRA) 10.84, Tom Cloarec (FRA) 7.27
Remaining Protest Vendee Pro Round Four Results
Heat 6: Marlon Lipke (DEU) 13.50, Adrien Valero (FRA) 10.40, Lincoln Taylor (AUS) 10.13, Borja Agote (EUK) 5.10
Heat 7: Mickey Picon (FRA) 10.90, Gregory Pastusiak (FRA) 10.26, Eneko Acero (EUK) 10.00, Jose Ferreira (PRT) 4.13
Heat 8: Justin Mujica (PRT) 13.93, Charles Martin (GLP) 13.10, Joao Guedes (PRT) 11.07, Dane Anderson (USA) 9.67
Photo Aquashot/ASPEurope.com
Protesting informal traders loot and vandalise the stalls of other traders who continued operating during a protest against alleged rights violations against informal traders, 5 August 2009, in Johannesburg. These violations included the alleged illegal impounding of their goods, an end to harrasment by those enforcing by-laws, reasonable rental rates for informal traders and proper consultation in the development of by-laws affecting them. Picture by Michel Bega/The Citizen
I figured I might as well do it, though I haven't had the newest changes forced on me. I personally think the newest changes are even worse than the change the happened on May 20th.
During the first afternoon in Prague, Fotomom and me were sipping on a well-deserved Czech cold beer while all of the sudden these protesters came by. I don’t read or speak Czech very well, but images speak louder than words. Apparently these people were not happy with the initiative a certain country took to build a rocket shield against “terrorist attacks from countries like North-Korea and Iran”. It will be build in cooperation with the Czech Republic and Poland.
In my opinion this project is completely senseless and only good to fuel the pockets of those who run the American weapons industry because I don’t believe these so-called ‘terrorist countries’ have the technology to build balistic missiles that reach all the way to Europe. And even if they did I don’t think they would attack any European country.
Innitialy President Putin from Russia was against this plan. But this week he has been talked into cooperating in the project as well. The result in the long run? More fear of terrorists who are not there, more provocation to the so-called terrorist countries whos citizens will only start to hate the Western world even more, and thus sow the seeds of terrorism anyway. It seems that after the cold war has ended the weapons industry is trying to find new enemies to make more money. And I am afraid that they will succeed.
___________________
Tijdens de eerste middag in Praag, zaten Fotomom en ik net aan ons eerste welverdiende Tsjechisch biertje te nippen toen er opeens een protestoptocht aan ons voorbij trok. Ik lees of spreek bijna geen Tsjechisch, maar beelden spreken vaak meer dan woorden. Blijkbaar waren deze mensen niet zo blij met het initiatief van een bepaald land om een raketschild te bouwen tegen “terroristische aanvallen van landen als Zuid-Korea en Iran”. Het zal worden gebouwd met behulp van Tsjechië en Polen.
Naar mijn mening is het een compleet zinloos project en alleen maar goed om de portomonee te spekken van degenen die de Amerikaanse wapenindustrie beheren want ik geloof niet dat deze zogenaamde ‘terroristische schurkenstaten’ de technologie hebben om balistische raketten te bouwen die zo’n lange afstand kunnen overbruggen. En zelfs als ze dat wel konden. Dan hebben ze naar mijn mening nog geen reden om die op welk Europees land dan ook af te vuren.
Aanvankelijk was President Poetin van Rusland fel tegen dit plan. Maar helaas heeft hij zich deze week om laten praten om ook aan dit project mee te werken. En je kan raden naar het resultaat op de lange termijn. Meer angst voor terroristen die er niet zijn, meer provocaties van deze zogenaamde schurken staten wiens burgers alleen maar meer haat tegen het Westen zullen ontwikkelen waardoor het zaad van terrorisme ook daadwerkelijk gezaaid wordt. Het lijkt erop dat de wapenindustrie na het einde van de koude oorlog meer vijanden probeert te kweken om meer geld te kunnen verdienen. En ik ben bang dat ze daar in gaan slagen.
Peaceful protesters have ensured that today’s demonstration organised by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has passed off without any major incidents.
Officers estimate that about 35,000 protesters took to the streets of Manchester city centre, today, Sunday 2 October 2011. No arrests were made.
The event started with a march that left Liverpool Road, and included two ‘feeder marches', organised by separate groups, which left from Oxford Road and Fire Station Square in Salford respectively, and joined the main congregation for the march.
The demonstration then went along Deansgate, John Dalton Street, Princess Street, Portland Street, Oxford Street, Hall Street, Bale Street and then arrived for a rally at No 1 First St.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "Organisers of the demonstration made it clear that it was their intention is to demonstrate peacefully, as is their democratic right, and this is exactly what happened.
“We are grateful to those protesters who co-operated fully with the police.
“We are now working hard to ensure that all users of Manchester city centre are able to get back to normal business, albeit while the Conservative Party Annual Conference and its security demands continue.
"We have worked closely with partner agencies, including those who represent local businesses, and we fully understand their desire to ensure that the city can keep moving. I believe we achieved this as far as is reasonably possible today.
“As we estimate that 35,000 people attended, and that their march covered significant parts of the city centre, we did require a significant police presence, in the interests of public safety and protecting the city. A policing presence, albeit scaled down, will remain into the evening.
“We are now focused on delivering the highest standards of security for all involved and affected by the conference, which continues this week.
"Manchester is privileged to host the conference and the event is good for the city.”
To find out more about Policing in Greater Manchester please visit our website.
Visit twitter.com/#!/gmpolice to follow Greater Manchester Police on Twitter.
Protests took place in Rochdale on Saturday 22 July 2017.
The Force worked to ensure the events took place safely and ensuring the right to protest while minimising any disruption to the local community.
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, Borough Commander, said: “This has been a challenging day with hundreds of people attending Rochdale town centre for the protest.
“I understand that these events are very emotive and that tensions may run high when there are polarised views and counter-protests.
“However, we have worked jointly with Rochdale Council and the community to ensure the most effective way to facilitate and manage this protest in a balanced and safe manner.
“This has very much been a community focused operation aimed at reducing the impact of the protest on the normal lives of people in Rochdale.
“I would like also like to thank members of the community who have acted as mediators and helped the smooth running of today’s event.
“In order to ensure we could deliver a safe operation we deployed large numbers of police which meant another busy weekend for officers, who have worked long hours in challenging circumstances to look after our communities.
“It was pleasing to see that this protest did not stop the people of Rochdale from going about their normal activities.”
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Los Angeles police officers arrest a pair of protesters as hundreds demonstrated against the Mormon Church's support of Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that banned gay marriages, in the Westwood district of Los Angeles Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
*Read Panasonic Youth's story and donate if you can! He and his boyfriend were the only ones arrested during the rally, while other violent Yes On 8'ers went off scotch free.*
www.buzznet.com/web/community/journals/entry/3336291/my-e...
"You may have seen someone wearing a Canada Goose jacket this winter. What many people don’t realise about these garments is that the retailer subjects defenceless animals to an agonising death in order to produce their fur trims and down-feather fillers."
www.peta.org.uk/action/spread-word-canada-goose-cruelty/
"Some Canada Goose jackets use coyote fur on the hoods, which has caused protests from animal anti-cruelty activists due to the alleged use of leg-hold in addition to other types of traps."
Protests took place in Rochdale on Saturday 22 July 2017.
The Force worked to ensure the events took place safely and ensuring the right to protest while minimising any disruption to the local community.
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, Borough Commander, said: “This has been a challenging day with hundreds of people attending Rochdale town centre for the protest.
“I understand that these events are very emotive and that tensions may run high when there are polarised views and counter-protests.
“However, we have worked jointly with Rochdale Council and the community to ensure the most effective way to facilitate and manage this protest in a balanced and safe manner.
“This has very much been a community focused operation aimed at reducing the impact of the protest on the normal lives of people in Rochdale.
“I would like also like to thank members of the community who have acted as mediators and helped the smooth running of today’s event.
“In order to ensure we could deliver a safe operation we deployed large numbers of police which meant another busy weekend for officers, who have worked long hours in challenging circumstances to look after our communities.
“It was pleasing to see that this protest did not stop the people of Rochdale from going about their normal activities.”
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Protesters force traffic to halt in Chicago. Car tries to push forward with horn going, June 29th 2010
Protests took place in Rochdale on Saturday 22 July 2017.
The Force worked to ensure the events took place safely and ensuring the right to protest while minimising any disruption to the local community.
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, Borough Commander, said: “This has been a challenging day with hundreds of people attending Rochdale town centre for the protest.
“I understand that these events are very emotive and that tensions may run high when there are polarised views and counter-protests.
“However, we have worked jointly with Rochdale Council and the community to ensure the most effective way to facilitate and manage this protest in a balanced and safe manner.
“This has very much been a community focused operation aimed at reducing the impact of the protest on the normal lives of people in Rochdale.
“I would like also like to thank members of the community who have acted as mediators and helped the smooth running of today’s event.
“In order to ensure we could deliver a safe operation we deployed large numbers of police which meant another busy weekend for officers, who have worked long hours in challenging circumstances to look after our communities.
“It was pleasing to see that this protest did not stop the people of Rochdale from going about their normal activities.”
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
29.05.2012
Protest against dismantling of Usfasngandu & calling end to the coup government
www.mvdemocracy.com #Maldives
Protests took place in Rochdale on Saturday 22 July 2017.
The Force worked to ensure the events took place safely and ensuring the right to protest while minimising any disruption to the local community.
Chief Superintendent Neil Evans, Borough Commander, said: “This has been a challenging day with hundreds of people attending Rochdale town centre for the protest.
“I understand that these events are very emotive and that tensions may run high when there are polarised views and counter-protests.
“However, we have worked jointly with Rochdale Council and the community to ensure the most effective way to facilitate and manage this protest in a balanced and safe manner.
“This has very much been a community focused operation aimed at reducing the impact of the protest on the normal lives of people in Rochdale.
“I would like also like to thank members of the community who have acted as mediators and helped the smooth running of today’s event.
“In order to ensure we could deliver a safe operation we deployed large numbers of police which meant another busy weekend for officers, who have worked long hours in challenging circumstances to look after our communities.
“It was pleasing to see that this protest did not stop the people of Rochdale from going about their normal activities.”
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
defying curfew in Jammu protetstes came on roads to protest agaisnt the land revocation order. Tribune photo/Anand Sharma
I nothing heard but bad things about the coming new Flickr format. Please think about the changes of the present Flickr format!
This was taken at the Protest in London at Trafalgar Square. I came across this and decided to put it up.
Bloodbath at Iraqi church sparks local protest
By Joyce Coronel | Nov. 9, 2010 | The Catholic Sun
A brutal terrorist attack Oct. 31 on a Bagdad Syrian Catholic cathedral left 58 dead, including three priests and several children. The massacre in Iraq sparked a Nov. 8 protest in downtown Phoenix.
Wearing black, carrying posters and waving Assyrian and American flags, about 600 protesters converged on Cesar Chavez Plaza. Many were from Iraq and belong to Assyrian, Chaldean and other Eastern Catholic churches across the Valley.
Chanting “We want peace,” and boosting signs that read “America wake up!” they held photos of some of the victims lying in pools of blood, and listened as Steve Darmo, an ASU student, addressed the crowd through a loudspeaker.
“They died for love and peace ... they didn’t pray for Christians or Muslims or Jews. They were praying for humans. We’re not here to let their blood go to waste,” Darmo said. “We’re not going to let this genocide go on.”
Mona Oshana, carrying the red Lectionary used at her Assyrian church in Phoenix, expressed her anger and frustration over the murders as sweat poured off her brow in the noon-day sun.
“How long will the body of Christ stay silent?” Oshana fumed. “This is not just about the Christians of Iraq. This is about the body of Christ that’s being decimated in the roots of where Christianity came from. Where is the outrage of the body of Christ?”
Ban Salman, an Iraqi woman standing beside her, carried a framed picture of her cousin who was killed in the massacre.
Oshana choked back tears as she retold how nine terrorists, wearing explosive-packed vests, stormed the cathedral.
“A woman trying to save her child from the bullets covered her child with her body,” Oshana said. “They flipped her over and purposely killed the child and allowed the child to die in front of the mother while she was holding onto his neck because he was bleeding.”
Iraq, a country of 31 million, is home to just 500,000 Christians. The terrorists who invaded the church claimed to be members of an Al-Qaeda cell and held 120 churchgoers hostage during the ordeal. One attacker blew himself up; the others were killed when Iraqi security forces entered the building.
Msgr. Felix Shabi, episcopal vicar for the Chaldean Catholic Church in Arizona and a native of Iraq, was not able to attend the Nov. 7 protest, but relayed some of the details of the attack in a phone interview with The Catholic Sun.
“When [the terrorists] came to the church, the priest had just finished reading the Gospel,” Msgr. Shabi said. “He told them, “Please, we are praying, just leave us in peace.”
The terrorists demanded the priest make an Islamic announcement. When he refused, he was shot. They then demanded that a 4-month-old baby who was crying “shut up.” A second priest told the terrorists the mother was trying to calm the infant.
The gunman’s response was to shoot the priest, then turn his gun on the baby.
“We need your prayers and support,” Msgr. Shabi said. “Our hands, our hearts, our brains, are all mingled with the blood of martyrs.”
Mike Darmo, spokesman for the American Assyrian Youth Coalition, which was formed in the days after the attack on the church, said about 20 Muslim leaders were at the protest too.
“People are dying for no reason. Terrorism is hateful and we must stop it,” Darmo said. “What we’re here to do is make the world aware and join in a coalition of every religion to stop terrorism.”
Similar protests were held in other U.S. cities Nov. 7 as well. Pope Benedict XVI condemned the attack, calling it savage.
“I pray for the victims of this absurd violence,” the pontiff said in a Nov. 1 address, “even more ferocious in that it has been inflicted upon defenseless people gathered in God’s house, which is a house of love and reconciliation.”
More: www.catholicsun.org
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