WASHINGTON, July 13 (UPI) -- New York Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel was arrested Tuesday for blocking the entrance to the Sudanese embassy during a protest in Washington.
Rangel was participating in an ongoing protest whose goal is a formal declaration by the United States that the African nation is engaged in genocide.
The daily demonstrations, now in their fourth week, are organized by former District of Columbia delegate the Rev. Walter Fauntroy and radio talk-show host Joe Madison.
The protesters accuse the Arab-controlled Sudanese government of supporting genocidal activities by Arab militias against blacks in the Christian south and western Darfur regions.
Rangel addressed about 150 demonstrators outside the Embassy Row townhouse, then stood in front of the doors with his arms crossed while the crowd sang, "We shall not be moved."
In his speech, Rangel "challenged the religious communities particularly to make their presence heard and their presence felt," said Emile Milne, his spokesman.
Secret Service policeman then handcuffed and arrested the veteran civil rights activist. An hour and a half -- and a $50 fine -- later, the 64-year-old Rangel was back on Capitol Hill.
