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G8 Protesters Arrested for Not Obeying Martial Law
Sat Jun 12, 2004 21:40
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Protesters Arrested Attempting To Enter Sea Island

POSTED: 1:38 pm EDT June 10, 2004

BRUNSWICK, Ga. -- State Mobile Field Forces arrested 14 people Thursday who refused to disperse at the intersection of Frederica Road and Sea Island Road on St. Simons Island, Ga. The group was attempting to march onto Sea Island, where the G8 Summit was taking place.

Video


Protesters, Police Clash In St. Simons




Channel 4's Jim Piggott followed approximately 60 marchers as they walked 7 miles along sidewalk of the Torras Causeway connecting Brunswick and St. Simons Island.

The march took place as the G8 leaders were wrapping up their three-day meeting.

The march began as a peaceful demonstration at Overlook Park in Brunswick, with about 100 people involved. Then, the smaller group decided to see how far they could go down the causeway.

Authorities allowed the group to proceed to Frederica Road as long as they did so peacefully, without impeding traffic. They made it past the St. Simons checkpoint, with armed police in riot gear lined along the roadside as they advanced.

After reaching the gates at St. Simons, the protesters attempted to cross the bridge to Sea Island, yelling, "We're here to have lunch with George!" before more than 100 police officers in riot gear pushed them back by thrusting their batons at them.

Marchers were banging drums, singing, and chanting, "This is what a police state looks like," while police shouted, "Move, move, move."

At the intersection with Sea Island Road, the group was asked to clear the intersection. When they refused, State Mobile Field Force officers arrested them.

Eleven men and three women were arrested and charged with obstructing a highway and refusing to disperse. Because they all gave their name as John or Jane Doe, they were detained for a court appearance on Friday.

The remaining members of the group moved to the parking lot of the Shops of Sea Island where the group dispersed.

Maj. Mike Bohannon, state mobile field force commander, said the officers were well-trained and prepared for the encounter.

"Team members worked well together and accomplished its mission today," he said.

Water and bus transportation was provided back to Overlook Park, six miles away, for the protesters who dispersed.

Thursday afternoon, the G8 Justice Coalition released a statement saying that the protests this week in Georgia were "victorious in training world eye on corrupt policies.

"This was a huge success," declared Carol Bass of the Georgia Peace and Justice Coalition said. "Having anyone in the streets to oppose G8 policies after facing this kind of government oppression is a victory. It was fun and creative resistance."