Thread: Three arrested in stamp protest at LA's Mexican consulate

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercuryn ... 059306.htm

Posted on Tue, Jul. 05, 2005

Three arrested in stamp protest at LA's Mexican consulate

Associated Press


LOS ANGELES - Three men were arrested Tuesday outside the Mexican Consulate while protesting that government's sale of postage stamps featuring a black comic book figure some civil rights groups consider racist.

The men, among about a dozen protesters, were arrested for allegedly refusing to disperse.

The trio sat outside the consulate, blocking the sidewalk said police Officer Kevin Maiberger. Among those arrested was Najee Ali, 42, a black civil rights activist.

U.S. activists have called on the Mexican government to recall the stamps, which feature a decades old Mexican cartoon character called Memin Pinguin drawn with exaggerated features, thick lips and wide-open eyes. Mexican President Vicente Fox has refused the demand, claiming the comic book character is an integral part of Mexico's culture.

The White House has called the stamps insensitive.

"It's worth getting arrested for because these images are devastating," Ali said outside the consulate. "These images on these stamps go worldwide. And, we are depicted as ... buffoons."

All 750,000 stamps sold out in Mexico by Friday, two days after they were issued. Many buyers were drawn by reports that Internet auction site eBay had bids of as much as $200 for a booklet.

I was curious as to why they were arrested, I found another article...

http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3557888

Three arrested in stamp protest at LA's Mexican consulate






LOS ANGELES Three men were arrested today outside the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles while protesting that government's sale of postage stamps featuring a black comic book figure some civil rights groups consider racist.

The men, among about a dozen protesters, were arrested for allegedly refusing to disperse.

Police Officer Kevin Maiberger reports the trio sat outside the consulate, blocking the sidewalk. Among those arrested was black civil rights activist Najee Ali.

U-S activists have called on the Mexican government to recall the stamps, which feature a decades old Mexican cartoon character called Memin Pinguin drawn with exaggerated features, thick lips and wide-open eyes. Mexican President Vicente Fox has refused the demand, claiming the comic book character is an integral part of Mexico's culture.

The White House has called the stamps insensitive.

Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Though it doesnt state why they where arrested? Just becuase they are on the sidewalk doesnt justify arresting someone. Consulates dont have diplomatic amunity and arent Mexican territory under International law, only an Embassy has that protection. Unless the new Mayor had something to do with this though it i believe could be taken to court and something could be done if they didnt break the law.

Prometheus

". Mexican President Vicente Fox has refused the demand, claiming the comic book character is an integral part of Mexico's culture. "


An integral part of Mexico's culture.....
Well, there you have it! That's all that matters. No one else has any right to their culture or dignity for our Southern neighbor.