A federal judge in Chicago rejected a request by pro-Palestinian groups for more space to protest outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Monday, Aug. 12. The groups had claimed that the restrictive space designated for protests outside the DNC violated their First Amendment rights.
The DNC announced it would have limited protest zones within a few blocks from the United Center, where the main event for the DNC will take place.
However, protesters wanted to be closer to the United Center and had requested three areas to demonstrate including one area in which authorities had already decided to block off to secure the arena’s perimeter.
The judge denied all of the permits requested by organizers and ordered the activists to use the proposed routes set up by the city of Chicago.
Tens of thousands of protesters are expected for the convention. The United States Secret Service said that it is adding extra security measures and extensive security planning for the protests in particular.
The DNC will run from Monday, Aug. 19, until Thursday, Aug. 22.
