RNC protesters consider court action

St. Paul, Minn.

May 22, 2008 8:48 AM

Anti-war protest in Minneapolis — Thousands of people are expected to turn out for the RNC protest.
MPR Photo/Jessica Mador

Anti-war protesters say they may go to court to try to get the parade route they want during the Republican National Convention in September.

They are considering court action after the Saint Paul City Council Wednesday rejected their request to change the route police gave the protesters.

Route for protesters — The City of St. Paul has authorized this route for protest groups during the Republican National Convention in early September. The route begins at the Capitol grounds, proceeds along Cedar St. To W. 7th St. and end near the Xcel Energy Center, site of the convention.
Image courtesy of the City of St. Paul

The demonstrators say the alternate route will not accommodate the 50,000 people they expect to participate.

Attorney Bruce Nestor is representing the Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War. He said the Council's decision short-changes the protesters.

"It's giving a priority to the Republicans to disrupt traffic, burden police and cause problems for businesses and hospitals. It's not recognizing that allowing the voices of the citizens to be heard and not just politicians is part of what should be part of this democratic exercise in having a political convention," Nestor said.

The police cite public safety issues in selecting the route they authorized.

Gallery

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Donate Today

Share

Create a More Connected Minnesota