Congresswoman Donna Edwards
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democratic Congresswoman Donna Edwards of Maryland’s 4th district was arrested today along with four other members of Congress during a Darfur protest outside the Sudanese embassy.
The five representatives, all Democrats, were arrested after disregarding warnings from police that were trying to protect Sudan’s embassy. Along with Edwards, the legislators apprehended by police were Jim McGovern (Mass.), John Lewis (Ga.), Lynn Woolsey (Calif.), and Keith Ellison (Minn.).
The members of Congress were protesting the removal of aid groups from the troubled African region of Darfur. President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan forced out 16 aid groups where, according to the U.N., 300,000 people have died from war that has lasted over six years.
The U.S. State Department has described the situation in Darfur as genocide.
A spokesman for Rep. Edwards stated that the five members of Congress were fined and later released. The spokesman also stated that Rep. Edwards, expecting to be arrested, hired a defense lawyer before the protest.
After her release, Edwards commented on her actions;
I thought it was pretty important to join with my colleagues in saying this is not acceptable in a civil society. These are issues I've cared about for a long time, long before I came into Congress.
Rep. Edwards has represented Maryland’s 4th district in Congress since 2008. She is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Franklin Pierce Law Center.
For more information: Visit Rep. Donna Edwards' website and view the slideshow of the protest. Also, see the headlines below.
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Comments
that is one of the best reasons for an arrest,protesting against the darfur genocide i wish to have been there. if we all can get arrested for that reason so less people can die in darfur so be it.
And just WHAT was accomplished?
YEAH right.. publicity stunt... please...
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