a day ago
Organizer speaks out ahead of ‘No Kings' protest
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — At least 20 different 'No Kings' protests have been scheduled around Georgia for Saturday and one organizer spoke with WSAV about what it means to them.
Coastal Georgia for Democracy is one of the organizers of what may be 2,000 national 'No Kings' protests.
One of the founders of Coastal Georgia for Democracy, Kris Mecholsky, said the meaning behind the 'No Kings' message is to present the simple idea to the Trump administration that they don't' want a king.
'We're fundamentally bothered and disturbed by the lack of separation of powers and the lack of following the rule of law and the Constitution,' Mecholsky said. 'One example is that the administration is detaining people with no due process and deporting them to foreign countries and foreign prisons.'
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Coastal Georgia for Democracy said they are committed to ensuring this protest and all of the events they are involved in follow a non-violence policy.
'We have been a very peaceful group determined to be peaceful,' Mecholsky said. 'The police have always worked with us and work to help ensure that things go safely.'
The Savannah Police Department gave WSAV a statement in regard to the protest:
'The Savannah Police Department supports First Amendment rights. We are aware of the demonstrations planned on Saturday, June 14, and have a security plan in place in order to keep our citizens, visitors and those exercising their First Amendment rights safe. Per our policy, we do not discuss security tactics, techniques and procedures for planned events.'
Mecholsky said that they will organize at Thomas Park at 11 a.m. and march up to Forsyth Park around the famers market, ending at the fountain. He said that he expects a good-sized turn out to join their cause.
'Since Trump has been in power, when we have registrations, we're seeing three times the number of people who signed up,' Mecholsky said.
Mecholsky continued, 'We are veterans, retirees, we are just working people, construction workers and restaurant workers, you name it. People are coming out. They're volunteering their time.'
Local and state leaders have responded and released statements regarding the recent Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE) raids and the protests against them.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued a stern warning to anyone planning to protest this weekend on Wednesday.
While the Savannah event begins at 11 a.m. at Thomas Square Park, a Bluffton protest will be in front of the Beaufort County Government Building starting at 4 p.m. Saturday. There are rallies at noon in Beaufort and Hilton Head as well.
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