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5 Arrested While Protesting Nuke Plant
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (AP) -- Five protesters were arrested Saturday at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant during a demonstration marking the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan.
The five were arrested on charges of obstructing a roadway at the entrance of the plant in Oak Ridge, where much of the work was done for the World War II-era Manhattan Project.
About 200 protesters were at the plant, and the Oak Ridge Peace Alliance has several other events planned throughout the week for Monday's 62nd anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and the Aug. 9 anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan. The group has organized annual protests at the Y-12 plant for nearly 20 years.
Arrested were Mary Dennis Lentsch, 70, of Oak Ridge; Elizabeth Velkey Brockman, 44, of Durham, N.C.; Mary Ellen Gondeck, 66, of Detroit; William Hickey, 62, of Detroit; and Billie Hickey, 58, of Detroit.
Oak Ridge Police Capt. Alan Massengill said four of the protesters may face additional charges for chaining themselves with a bicycle chain to a barricade in front of the plant.
Gondeck, a Catholic nun, was released on her own recognizance, but the other four were taken into custody, said Ralph Hutchison, a coordinator with the alliance.
"Things went smoothly. Our goal is to have a nonviolent event celebrating the spirit of peace," Hutchison said.
Protesters walked to the plant from a city park, where they listened to speakers and watched a giant puppet performance. Along the way, activists scattered sunflower seeds as a symbol for nuclear abolition.
© 2007 The Associated Press.
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6 Comments so far
Show Allthis is the only good news on Common Dreams this weekend. Less talk, more ACTION is needed.
As a nuclear veteran who has seen far too many nuclear weapons closeup and personal, all I can say is Good on ya folks! Keep up the good work. No nukes is good nukes!
Yes! Good News!
One can only admire such gentle souls and their quiet courage. A determined courage which will not be silent in the face of the abomination that is nuclear weapons. Why is it that so many nuns have this determined courage? From central america to the american prison system, these faithful souls place themselves in the forefront and stand undaunted. The courage of a nun and all the others who risk jail for the sake of us all ... is owed much by us all.
I am surprised that the Treasury Department did not seize their assets and freeze their bank accounts as potential trouble makers according to the new signing order that Bush did in July. I guess they are saving that for the big protest when they declare marshal law.
They may have a not un-pleasant surprise awaiting them in the Clinton jail: in my experience, the "regular" prisoners in that particular can are bend-over-backwards NICE to Oak Ridge nuke prisoners. It is close to amazing, in fact. Physically uncomfortable slammer, but great in-mates who share and support peace-niks.
A few days there is such a small price to pay for being able to hold one's head up in pride for having launched themselves at this war-machine monster that is Bush's Amerika. Would that more of us would take the risk, pay that little price...Bless 'em, everyone.