Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, at the time of her arrest in Washington. Bloomberg photo
Seventeen members of the United States Democratic Chamber, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, were arrested at an abortion rights demonstration near the Capitol.
The Capitol police said on Twitter protesters had blocked traffic on a nearby street and that they received three warnings before the officers made the arrests.
“We made a total of 35 arrests” for generating a crowd that obstructed traffic, police said, making it clear. “That number of arrests includes 17 members of Congress.”
Ocasio-Cortez “was arrested” by police officers for civil disobediencehis communications team reported through social networks.
Ocasio-Cortez “was arrested” by police officers for civil disobedience. Bloomberg photo
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In a video broadcast by local media, a police officer is seen escorting Ocasio-Cortez, –wearing a green scarf around his neck, symbol of the right of access to abortion – to leave the protest in Washington.
“I was arrested today while participating in a civil disobedience action with my fellow congressmen outside the Supreme Court,” Omar tweeted.
“I will continue to do everything in my power to sound the alarm about the attack on our reproductive rights! “, he added, according to the news agency AFP.
In addition to Ocasio-Cortez and Omar, other lawmakers were also removed from the rally, including Carolyn Maloney, Nydia Velazquez, Jackie Speier and Bonnie Watson Coleman.
Footage of the protest showed Ocasio-Cortez, Omar and others being taken away by police without handcuffs as they greeted supporters.
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Maloney said in a statement that “there is no democracy if women do not have control over their own bodies nor can they decide on their own health, including reproductive care “.
Democratic deputy Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during a protest in favor of the right to abortion. photo EFE
“The Republican Party and the right-wing extremists behind this decision are not in favor of life, but of controlling the bodies of women, girls and anyone who might get pregnant,” she added.
On June 24, the Supreme Court of Justice ruled that access to abortion it is not a federal constitutional law and left the matter to the legislation of each state.
A majority of six conservative judges overturned the 1973 ruling which interpreted voluntary termination of pregnancy as a constitutional right.
Source: AFP and ANSA
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Source: Clarin
