- Chicago

(from reports at www.chicago.indymedia.org)

Last October 8, as the U.S. bombing of Afghanistan got underway, four people were arrested at an emergency response demonstration and march called by the Chicago Ad Hoc Coalition Against War and Racism. Following an anti-war rally at Federal Plaza, about 350 people took to the streets, blocking traffic as they marched down Michigan Avenue. At the north end of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the march stopped. While some chanted "Pigs here, bombs there, U.S. out of everywhere!" about 40 people sat down in a spontaneous blockade. Police moved in quickly, arresting the four without warning while the others retreated to the sidewalks. A minor with cerebral palsy was not charged and was released to her mother, while the other three arrestees were charged with misdemeanor mob action.

John Whitfield was arrested November 9, 2001, while peacefully vigiling in downtown Chicago with three black caskets: one labeled Afghanistan, one Latin America, and the third, unmarked. He was charged with reckless conduct for touching the handlebars of a police bicycle while it was stopped at the vigil.