For Immediate Release: May 20th, 2010
Contact:  Elizabeth Barger, 931-964-2119, loveliz77@yahoo.com

CODEPINK Attempts Citizens Arrest of Karl Rove, Demand Accountability, in Franklin TN

Franklin, TN: When Karl Rove came to Franklin to promote his new book on Thursday, May 20th, TN area activists, including CODEPINK were ready with an in store creative protest demanding accountability and justice for the lies Rove told the American people during his time with the Bush Administration. The visual and vibrant protest was held at the Borders Bookstore where Karl Rove signed his new book. CODEPINK members staged an attempted citizen arrests of Karl Rove, dangling handcuffs in front of him, unfurling a big banner that said "Arrest Rove!  War Criminal!", and shouting, "We demand the arrest of this man for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and treason!"  Photos available upon request.  Activists also planted flyers listing Rove's war crimes throughout the store.  After being escorted out of the store and told to leave, the activists drove away while waving a pink protest sign.  A scuffle with the local police over the pink sign occurred and after briefly being detained one activist was released without charges.  

 “We are demanding accountability from Karl Rove who lied to get us into the war and outed C.I.A. agent Valerie Plame,” CODEPINK Co-Founder Jodie Evans, and 5th generation Nevadan, has said. “If law enforcement and Congress won't do it, we the American people will!”

Today's citizens arrest attempt follows on the heels of activist protest of Rove all along his national speaking tour.  So many protests have occurred that the tour has been dubbed the "Rove/CODEPINK Tour" by many news outlets.  See full Rove protest chronology at: www.codepink.org/arrestrove. Activist avow to continue to pursue arresting Rove at his public appearances until he his held accountable for his crimes.  

CODEPINK, founded in 2002, is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars, and redirect our resources into health care, education and other life-affirming activities. We reject the Bush administration's fear-based politics that justify violence, and instead call for policies based on compassion, kindness and a commitment to international law. With an emphasis on joy and humor, CODEPINK women and men seek to activate, amplify and inspire a community of peacemakers through creative campaigns and a commitment to non-violence.  For more info, visit www.codepinkalert.org.

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