Chicago – August 13, 2024
Pro-Palestinian protesters planning large demonstrations at next week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago have hit a legal roadblock. A federal judge ruled against their request for a bigger protest route closer to the United Center, where the convention will be held from August 19-22.
U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood said the city’s proposed route meets First Amendment rights while ensuring security and safety. Chicago has set aside two public parks and a 1.1-mile parade route outside the United Center’s security zone for the protests.
However, the protesters, who are critical of the Biden-Harris administration’s support for Israel in its nearly 11-month-long war with Hamas in Gaza, argued that they need a larger route to accommodate the expected crowds. Organizers have expressed their strong emotions, saying that the Democratic Party underestimates their determination to support the Palestinian cause and that thousands of peaceful protesters will gather to make their voices heard.
