Jan 21, 2007 8:36 pm US/Eastern
Pro And Anti Posada Supporters Speak Out On Brawl
MW
HOLLYWOOD (CBS4) ―
Both groups involved in a scuffle over Cuban Militant Luis Posada spoke out Saturday, blaming one another for the outburst of violence.
Both sides attended a rally supporting anti-Castro militant Luis Posada Carilles on Friday, as he faces a federal trial and possible deportation. As cameras captured the scene, the Posada supporters crossed the street and started attacking the Posada opponents.
"It was a direct attack on us," says Michael Martinez, who was one of the Posada protestors. "We did not respond to any of the violence. The other side was kicking, spitting, and throwing objects."
Approximately 80 people had gathered at the Bay of Pigs Memorial on SW 8th Street in Miami to show their support for Posada about Noon Friday, playing music and showing flags and banners. The protesters urged people driving by to show their support for Posada, a former CIA operative who is suspected of plotting the bombing of a Cuban jetliner 30 years ago.
While the first group demonstrated, a smaller group of about 30 people gathered across the street and started yelling, calling Posada a terrorist. The situation quickly turned to violence, and as television camera captured the scene the Posada demonstrators ran across the street and began attacking the anti-Posada protesters.
Blows were exchanged, and some protesters on both side appeared to have sustained minor injuries. The Posada supporters chased the anti-Posada protesters down the street, tossing rocks and a bullhorn at people as they ran.
"We cannot have hooligans assaulting people because views that are being expressed they disagree with," says Jack Lieberman from the peace and justice network. "We are demanding the State Attorney's Office and Miami Police arrest these people."
While the anti-Posada protestors are crying foul, pro-Posada supporters are saying they were not the ones who instigated the violence, claiming the protestor's sole purpose at the rally was to cause a disturbance.
"We were having a peaceful demonstration in support of Luis Posada," said attorney Vidal Veliz. " When some other individuals in an attempt to catch the eye of the press caused a disturbance."
Posada was indicted in Texas last week on charges of lying when attempting to become a US citizen. He now faces deportation, if the US can find a country that will accept him. So far, no country has been willing to accept Posada, and supporters Friday urged he be allowed to stay.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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