By Aparna H. Kumar, The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Anti-war groups are planning their largest demonstrations since after the start of the war in Iraq, with thousands expected at rallies Saturday in Washington and San Francisco.
Protesters are expected from 140 cities in the United States and Canada, organizers said Tuesday. They hope to foment public pressure that will force the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
With Congress poised to authorize $87 billion for Iraq’s reconstruction, “Now more than ever it is critical that we stand united in our effort to turn this all around,” said Leslie Cagan, an organizer for United for Peace and Justice.
The protests are being organized by Cagan’s group and also International ANSWER, or Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, which led earlier protests. Their largest was in January in Washington, where police said 30,000 participated. Organizers said nearly a half million protested.
The last protest in Washington, in late March, drew only a few thousand people. Organizers hope to attract far more this weekend.
Police are planning for more than 40,000. “We expect it’s going to be a big day,” said Sgt. Scott Fear, a Park Police spokesman. The department has canceled days off for its officers, and will have extra horse and motorcycle patrols.
Fear said organizers have been working with authorities, and the protests should be mostly peaceful.
In March, about 65 people were arrested after climbing police barricades closing off the park that is across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House.
In Washington, speakers will include former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, Martin Luther King III and others.
In San Francisco, organizers are expecting thousands of protesters to participate in a 2 p.m. EDT (1800 GMT) rally followed by a march through downtown.