An unspecified number of demonstrators were arrested in clashes between law enforcement and participants in a pro-Palestinian march outside the Israeli consulate in Chicago last night. This happened on the second night of the National Congress of the Democratic Party, which is being held in this American city, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
Clashes broke out after protesters tried to reach the skyscraper that houses the diplomatic mission. They chanted outside the building and tried to break through the thick police cordon that surrounded it, prompting police to use force against the demonstrators, including batons.
Some of the protestors set fire to the American flag in the street. Others carried Palestinian flags and many of the demonstrators were dressed in black and wore masks.
The protest action took place about 3 km from the place where the solemn ceremony was held to confirm the presidential nomination of Kamala Harris.
A man in a "Chicago Bulls" hat, his face covered by a balaclava, called on protesters to "block the Democratic National Convention".
Security measures around the building that houses the consulate have been stepped up. Law enforcement closed most of its entrances, allowing entry and exit only through one entrance, which also had police officers stationed. Many of the shops in the skyscraper were also closed, AP notes.