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Pocono News Section
Protesters Twice Disrupt Hearing
Protesters Twice Disrupt Hearing - Monday, August 18, 2008 at 5:39PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Aug 18, 2008 @ 05:39pm EST
POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY- The murder of Luis Ramirez has divided the community of Shenandoah and Schuylkill County. There were dozens of protestors at Monday morning's court hearing. Most were looking for justice, but there were also a few in support of the accused.
More than three dozen members of a Chicago peace group, clad in black and pink hats chanted outside the Schuylkill County Courthouse Monday.
They came hundreds of miles to support the fiancée and friends of Luis Ramirez, who was murdered more than one month ago. Emma Lozano from Chicago said, “We admire her courage that she stood up and look at Luis Ramirez as a human being and not as an immigrant."
While very vocal, most of these people were pushing for unity. Many are from outside of Shenandoah, but they've heard how the community has split this town in two. Maria Rolon said, “I'm here, not only to represent illegal immigrants, but also legal immigrants, who everyday face hatred in the streets of every city across America."
Not everyone outside the courthouse was standing in support the victim. Some were critical of Ramirez, who was an illegal immigrant. Ron Hannivig said, “The Americans, right now, are on the outside, looking in. Those two boys are in jail, behind bars, for protecting a 15-year-old girl."
Security both inside and outside the Schuylkill County Courthouse was very tight Monday, but officials say there were no major problems. | | |
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