Marchers demand fair permit for RNC march (photos)

Around 60-70 people gathered at the state capitol in St. Paul Tuesday at midday, as part of a series of recurring marches organized by the Coalition to March on the RNC and Stop the War demanding a fair permit for their massive September 1 march. The Coalition is engaged in a legal battle with the City of St. Paul; their next scheduled court date is July 9 when a support rally will be held at 1pm.

On Tuesday, marchers followed their desired route on Kellogg Boulevard to the Xcel Energy Center, encircling it and then returning to the capitol building. Shortly after leaving, the excessive police presence of nearly 20 bicycle cops, plus several squad cars and unmarked vehicles, forced marchers into only one or two lanes of the boulevard. After negotiating with the march organizers, one lane of traffic was allowed to pass while police continued to line the march and practice riding their new bikes as a silly, needless show of intimidation.

Afterwards, the group returned to the Capitol where supporters of the Coalition signed a giant petition to present to St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.

Watch Twin Cities Indymedia for more information about the Coalition's court case and the continuing efforts of the City of St. Paul and the SPPD to repress and divide anti-RNC organizing.

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