Sacramento Coalition to End the War

Paulette Cuilla, one of six people arrested at the Capitol on June 26, 2008

VERY URGENT NEWS ADVISORY
Thursday, June 26, 2008

Contact: Paulette Cuilla 916/956-8678 or Maggie Coulter 916/456-1420
**NOTE: Video of arrests available via an independent videographer**

SIX ARRESTED in front of
SCHWARZENEGGER'S OFFICE
CALLING FOR AN END TO THE IRAQ WAR

SACRAMENTO – Six people opposing the war on Iraq were arrested at the capitol TODAY/THURSDAY about 12:15 p.m. at the State Capitol near Gov. Schwarzenegger's office.

The California Highway Patrol charged the activists with misdemeanors, including allegedly demonstrating without a permit and illegally entering the Capitol, and released them. The activists have a July 23 court date.

The arrests took place following a "Freeze-In for Peace," where at 12:10 pm, about two dozen people "froze" in place for five minutes and then brought out signs and called for an end to the war. Similar "freeze-in" actions for peace are popping up all over the country. It was not clear why some of those participating were arrested and others were not.

"This is absolutely linked to the budget deficit mess in California. Our share of the war in Iraq is $67 billion," said Maggie Coulter, one of those arrested. "And having these officers arrest people for expressing their views, as typically happens in a legislative hearing, is also a waste of taxpayers money."

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