2000 Demonstrate in Winnipeg Against U.S. Aggression

On April 12, approximately, 2,000 people marched through the streets of downtown Winnipeg to oppose the ongoing U.S.-led war of aggression against the people of Iraq . The turnout was impressive given the barrage of propaganda claiming not only that the war is over but that the Iraqi people are welcoming the invading forces.

The demonstration began with a rally at the Manitoba legislature. Journalist Leslie Hughes spoke movingly of local peace activist Carl Ridd, who passed away two weeks ago and urged opposition to the war from his hospital bed. On behalf of the No War Against Iraq Coalition, she dedicated the demonstration in his honour and encouraged those gathered to keep fighting for peace and justice. Carl's daughter Karen Ridd also spoke, reading from the last article against the war her father was writing, a strong denunciation of U.S. imperialism.

The majority of the crowd were young, including a large group of high school students chanting anti-imperialist slogans. Following the march, people gathered in Old Market Square for speeches, poetry and music.

The No War Against Iraq coalition will be holding a teach-in on the U.S. occupation of Iraq at the University of Winnipeg, Bulman Students' Centre on April 27 from 12:30-5:00 p.m.