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Permit for May 20 NATO protest granted by city of Chicago

By staff

Six weeks until war makers arrive in Chicago

Chicago, IL – Once again bowing to public pressure, on April 4 the city of Chicago granted permits for a rally and march against the NATO summit planned here in May. The Coalition Against NATO/G8 War and Poverty Agenda (CANG8) also demanded the city waive the nearly $40,000 in fees to use a public park,and give a more favorable march route as well.

The permit is for a rally at noon on Sunday, May 20 at the Petrillo Bandshell in Grant Park – without the onerous fees and with the changes to the march route that the protesters insisted on.

Joe Iosbaker of CANG8 stated that the group was again victorious and warned the mayor and the Secret Service to respect the right to protest. “NATO is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands in Afghanistan and Libya. These generals are spattered with the blood of the Arab and Muslim people, including those killed in Pakistan by U.S. drone strikes. And in Afghanistan, 250 children die every day from malnutrition.” Iosbaker continued, “We have the right to march against these masters of war.”

CANG8 has called for the Secret Service to respect the march route granted by the city. “Declaring the summit a National Security Event doesn’t allow them to suspend the constitution,” Iosbaker said.

CANG8 also calls on the mayor and the Chicago police to stop threatening mass arrests and to stop painting protestors as dangerous.

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