US Congressmen arrested in protest at Sudan embassy

May 16, 2006 (WASHINGTON) — Seven members of the Congressional Black Caucus were arrested at the Embassy of Sudan Tuesday, after protesting over atrocities in the Darfur region of the war-torn nation.

“We will not tolerate genocide,” said Rep. Mel Watt, D-N.C., the caucus chairman. “…We are saying to Sudan this has got to stop.”

The seven members were hauled off in Secret Service cars after receiving three warnings that they were violating the law by blocking the entrance to an embassy. They faced $50 fines and were expected to be released after booking.

“Not on our watch,” said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., “Not on our watch will we allow another genocide to take place.” She wore a green T-shirt that read, “End the Darfur Genocide.”

The Sudanese government and the main Darfur rebel group signed an agreement on May 5 to end Darfur’s three-year civil war, which has killed at least 180,000 and displaced some 2 million people. But there have been several attacks since the signing, U.N. officials said.

“Enough is enough,” said Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga. “We must do all we can to stop the violence.”

The lawmakers, who were handcuffed in plastic “flex cuffs,” held the rally on the steps of the embassy with the intention of getting arrested. Last month, five other House members were arrested after a similar protest.

Watt said the group wanted sanctions ratcheted up against Sudan, and the divestment of companies that do business with the country.

Darfur has been torn by violence since rebel groups made up of ethnic Africans rose up against the Arab-led Khartoum government in 2003. The government is accused of responding by unleashing Arab militias known as the Janjaweed who have been accused of some of the war’s worst atrocities. Khartoum denies backing the Janjaweed but has said it will try to rein them in since the deal was signed.

The other lawmakers arrested Tuesday were Reps. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., Al Green, D-Texas, Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, and District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, a Democrat.

Congressional Black Caucus spokeswoman Myra Dandridge said the group would continue to hold protests at the embassy.

(ST/AP)