74 pro-Palestine protesters arrested at DNC in Chicago
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Pro-Palestine protesters held signs that said "Biden, Harris You Will See! Palestine Will Be Free!" and "Free Palestine Now!" while advocating for the end of US aid to the occupation.
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Pro-Palestinian protesters in Union Park prepare to march before the start of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, Illinois, August 19, 2024. (AFP)
74 people were arrested during pro-Palestine protests in Chicago, Illinois on Friday amid the four-day Democratic National Convention.
The convention kicked off on Monday at the United Center where Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepted her nomination as the Democratic Party's official presidential candidate on Thursday.
However, thousands of people took the event as an opportunity to conduct pro-Palestine demonstrations, urging the US to end its support for "Israel's" ongoing genocide in Gaza, including a protest which took place in front of the Israeli consulate.
"As a result of everything that occurred out there, there were a total of 74 arrests that were around protest situations," Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters with Mayor Brandon Johnson.
For his part, Mayor Johnson described the convention "as the example of constitutional policing," adding, "These brave women and men show the world how we can maintain safety while protecting the people's right to protest and to have their voices heard."
Protesters waved Palestinian flags while chanting "Palestine will be free from the river to the sea!"
The activists also held signs that said "Biden, Harris You Will See! Palestine Will Be Free!" and "Free Palestine Now!" while advocating for the end of US aid to the occupation.
Harris vows to protect 'Israel'
Amid protests by pro-Palestine supporters dissatisfied with the DNC disallowing pro-Palestine speakers at the convention, Harris made a commitment to protect "Israel", release the captives from Gaza, and put an end to the war.
"Now is the time to get a hostage deal and a ceasefire deal done," she told the crowd, adding, "And let me be clear, I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself."
"What has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating. So many innocent lives lost, desperate hungry people fleeing for safety over and over again. The scale of suffering is heartbreaking".
She also claimed, "President Biden and I are working to end this war such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination."
