INDIANAPOLIS — Fourteen Gaza war protesters are charged with obstructing traffic after a gathering near the Indiana Governor's Residence on Indianapolis' north side blocked Meridian Street in April.
On April 25, IMPD posted on social media that Meridian Street was closed between 46th and 49th streets due to the protesters.
"IMPD respects and values the right of people to peacefully assemble and protest," the department said. "However, obstructing traffic is unlawful and is subject to arrest."
Around 9:15 a.m., a 13News crew at the scene saw officers take multiple people into custody. The crew heard protesters chanting "free, free Palestine" and state they would not leave until everyone was arrested, but protesters were no longer blocking the street as of 9:30 a.m.
A short time later, Meridian Street reopened.
Jewish Voice for Peace--Indiana, Middle Eastern Student Association of IUPUI, Students for Justice in Palestine--Butler, Palestinian Youth Movement and ANSWER Indiana organized the protest to "demand a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. aid to Israel."
In a statement, the group said 70 protesters rallied.
"It's just urgent that we stop the genocide now," said an organizer with Jewish Voice for Peace, who did not want to give her name.
The obstructing traffic charge the protesters face is a misdemeanor.