December 29, 1998

Iraq Airstrikes Protested in D.C.

Filed at 7:14 p.m. EST

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Fifteen people were arrested outside the White House Tuesday after protesting U.S. military action against Iraq and the U.N. sanctions imposed on the Persian Gulf country.

Most will be charged with violating the federal code for demonstrations by blocking a sidewalk, U.S. Park Police spokeswoman Valerie Fernandez said. Three of the demonstrators will be charged with destruction of government property after pouring a red substance on the sidewalk, Fernandez said. The demonstrators said the red liquid was dye.

Carrying a sign that said, "The Rubble of Baghdad," the demonstrators lay on the sidewalk outside the White House among bricks and small pieces of wood. Other demonstrators stood nearby and chanted "Iraqi children are dying, lift the sanctions now."