#PortlandME - '#DisruptBusinessAsUsual': 20 #ProPalestinian protesters arrested after blocking traffic
Anna Coon, WGME
Thu, May 22nd 2025 at 4:39 PM
PORTLAND (WGME) – "Portland police arrested 20 people Wednesday during a protest in support of #Palestine.
"The protesters were blocking traffic on Commercial Street before police removed them from the area and opened the road back up to traffic.
" 'Free, free, free Palestine,' people chanted as a handcuffed protester was escorted away by police.
"But arrested protesters say it was their intention to be booked in jail Wednesday, and they say being taken away in handcuffs brings more attention to their cause.
" 'We have written our congressional representatives, we've called them, we've held rallies in the streets, we've done all kinds of things -- everything we can think of,' #MaineVoicesForPalestinianRights Chair #AbbyFuller said. 'And our government has not changed its policy of support for Israel.'
"Fuller helped organize Wednesday’s protest.
" 'Our intention yesterday was to disrupt business as usual,' Fuller said.
"Fuller and 19 others were arrested by Portland police Wednesday afternoon and brought to the Cumberland County Jail. All were charged with obstructing a public way after police gave multiple warnings that arrests were coming.
" 'If you refuse to move or leave you will be arrested, you may also be exposed to chemical agents,' police told protesters over a loudspeaker during Wednesday's protest.
"Two of the people taken into handcuffs are in their 80s, including #BobSchaible.
" 'I've never been arrested before,' Schaible said. 'I've never been put in the back of a police cruiser.'
"But Schaible and Fuller both say they'd do it all over again and want their arrests to inspire action to get #HumanitarianAid into #Gaza.
"This week, the Associated Press reported that expected aid was halted as Israeli strikes killed 86 people in Gaza. Aid groups warn that without supplies, tens of thousands of people, including children, could starve.
" 'Congress has to take a stand,' Schaible said. 'We want the Portland people, more of them, to know what is happening.'
"Fuller says protesters spent several hours in jail before they were released and says the group works with a pro bono lawyer who will represent them in court, for free."
https://wgme.com/news/local/arrested-portland-protesters-hope-their-demonstration-brings-awareness
#MaineResists #FreePalestine #Activism #Resistance #PortlandMaine #MainePol #MaineNews #USPol #WorldPol #BibiIsAWarCriminal #IsraeliWarCrimes #Gaza #GazaGenocide #TrafficInterference #DieIn
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