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CNN Live Saturday

Protests in Nation's Capital Remain Peaceful

Aired April 20, 2002 - 17:13   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: And now to Washington, where the turmoil in the Middle East is on the minds of thousands of protesters who have gathered there. They took to the streets today to support the Palestinian cause, and oppose what they say is a pro- Israeli stance by the U.S. CNN's Kathleen Koch has been following the demonstrations all day today, and she joins us with more now from the nation's capital -- Kathleen.

KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, it has been very peaceful. It has been uneventful, which is truly extraordinary when you consider that thousands of people began pouring into the nation's capital from around the country, by the bus load, by carloads, starting early this morning.

Now, as you pointed out, what perhaps was the largest group was the pro-Palestinian segment. There's no official count, of course. U.S. Park police stopped counting years ago, but we've also seen protesters who were against the IMF and the World Bank meetings, against globalization, against the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan, against the campaign against terrorism, and also some who oppose the U.S. policy in Colombia.

Now, though it has been very quiet, police in Washington, D.C., have, especially because of what happened on 9/11, been very much on their toes.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHARLES RAMSEY, D.C. POLICE CHIEF: Well, in today's environment, with the whole threat of terrorism still looming over us, we have to be concerned not only about large crowds but also someone using an event like this as an opportunity to commit some kind of act of terrorism or other criminal activity. So we have to keep our eyes open. We even asked protesters if they see anything unusual, let us know.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH: Protesters here today are very passionate about their many and varied issues, though admittedly some of them were concerned that they were putting forth so many issues that no cohesive message would really emerge and stick with the American public. Then we found some very unusual alliances today, speaking with a young Jewish woman who was demonstrating for the Palestinians. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The violence in the Middle East, it doesn't make any sense. You see Palestinian suicide bombers, and the reaction is, well, why are they doing that? They're crazy. And we want people to understand that the violence is from an occupation. Palestinians have been occupied, they're an occupied territory, just like any other occupied force in history. And suicide acts are an act of desperation.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KOCH: The rally is continuing as we speak. There are still a few speeches, but really a lot of bands have been playing and it's taken on quite a concert-like atmosphere.

Now, there is, Fredricka, in the city today really quite a big sigh of relief that's been heaved because there was a lot of concern initially, but everyone is quite pleased that this protest, which in many ways is against violence, did not turn violent. Back to you.

WHITFIELD: So Kathleen, we're on the tail end of the protests and the demonstrations today? Crowds are beginning to thin?

KOCH: Crowds are beginning to thin. They began to thin a little bit earlier this afternoon, when we had a brief rain shower. But again, people are very quietly and very peacefully starting to disburse, and had only a very few minor confrontations with police -- but again, not a single arrest. Very unique.

WHITFIELD: That's very unique, and good news. Thanks a lot, Kathleen Koch from Washington.

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