Chicago: A large-scale rally in support of Palestinian rights took place in downtown Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, on the eve of the start of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), at which Vice President Kamala Harris is planned to be officially nominated as a candidate for the post of head of state, Sputnik reported.
The demonstrators marched in an organised column along one of the central streets of the city — Michigan Avenue — under the close supervision and escort of law enforcement officers. A spokesperson for the city’s public safety service told Sputnik on Sunday about 600 people had taken part in the civil action. The police did not try to impede the march of the column, and no violations of the law or provocations were registered during the rally.
The bulk of the participants were pro-Palestinian activists, many of whom shouted slogans condemning Israel’s military operation in the Gaza Strip. Others carried posters demanding an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine, condemnation of Israeli actions at the international level, and an end to the supply of funds and weapons to the Jewish state. Some of those present carried photographs in their hands, which, according to them, showed Palestinian children killed as a result of the Israeli military operation.
Ahead of the Democratic National Convention starting in Chicago, law enforcement agencies have stepped up security measures, bringing in additional forces from other parts of Illinois and beyond. In total, over 50,000 guests are expected to arrive here next week, including delegates, federal officials, and journalists from around the world. Lawmakers are warned against contact with protesters, as well as from visiting certain areas of the city where the likelihood of new unrest is the highest.
Meanwhile, local media recall that in November 2023, participants of one of the events of the US Democratic National Committee had to be evacuated due to protests by supporters of a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Journalists also draw parallels with the events of 1968, when Chicago also hosted the Democratic Convention, during which police brutally suppressed protests against the Vietnam War.
