Protest March in NYC Stopped By Court

national | miscellaneous | news report Tuesday February 11, 2003 22:14 by Kevin-Scott

City of NY has won the first round of a court battle denying United for Peace and Justice Coalition the right to march

Federal Judge Barbara Jones has ruled that the City of New York can deny United for Peace and Justice (UFP) a permit to march on Feb. 15.  She said in a 26-page ruling that a "large scale march threatens the City's interest in maintaining public safety."  She also cited security reasons because of the planned route passing UN Plaza.

UFP has accepted a stationary rally permit offered to them by the City, specifying 1st Ave. northward from 49th St.   But UFP have vowed to fight for their First Amendment rights and have filed an immediate appeal.  They are calling on people to protest passionately and to keep mobilizing for the 15th.  They state that their "massive demonstration to stop the Iraq war will go forward no matter what."  Commentators on the Indymedia site seem to agree, e.g.: 

"Go to New York by Trojan [horse?]
The World is counting on you."

Meanwhile, in the UK, British Army troops have been deployed at Heathrow and other London sites, and in Ireland people are waking up to their government's promised attempt to reverse the Freedom of Information Act.