Peace Fresno Leader Arrested
By Mike Rhodes
March 20, 2004

Ken Hudson, Peace Fresno secretary and a key organizer of today’s event, was arrested at the Global Day of Action march and rally in Fresno. Fresno County Sheriffs arrested Hudson as he showed them the permit Peace Fresno had attained for the rally. The following account of what happened is compiled from numerous eyewitnesses to the event: A man, Peace Fresno activists identified as being associated with the Free Republic, made a citizens complaint to a Sheriff’s deputy. A Sheriff arrived to investigate the complaint and talked to Ken. As Ken held a copy of the permit for the officer to see he was told to leave. Ken continued holding the permit for the officer to see and he stepped back three steps. The Sheriff then called to his partner to arrest Hudson and they proceeded to put him into a police car. As the crowd of over 100 chanted "this is what democracy looks like," Ken was driven away.

I spoke with the arresting officer shortly after the incident. Deputy Garringer (badge number 1652) told me that Ken had refused to leave the area when requested. Ken was taken to the Sheriffs department for booking, followed by several attorneys who attended the rally. He is expected to be cited out and more details will be posted when available.

The march, which started at the downtown Fresno Federal Building, included about 200 people. Peace Fresno president Genie Baranoff said that "our main message here today is simple - bring the troops home now! We must bring home the troops and stop the US’s colonial empire building. This administrations power grab around the world is demeaning to the tenets of democracy and freedom.

The march proceeded to courthouse park where they were joined by more anti-war activists and the unfolding scene of Ken’s arrest. An update will be posted as soon as more information is available.

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