Washington, DC – On Tuesday, May 16, 2006 Congressman Al Green (TX-09) was arrested with Members of the Congressional Black Caucus in front of the Sudanese Embassy while protesting the government’s ambivalence towards the genocide in Darfur and highlight its importance in the African American community.

Cong. Al Green and other Members of the Congressional Black Caucus were informed that continued protesting, although peaceful and non-violent, would lead to their immediate arrest. Prepared for such action, Green noted “A misdemeanor charge is a penalty that I am willing to accept to stand for justice.”  Green continued with “A person who isn’t willing to go to jail for the cause of freedom, has his freedom at the expense of those who are.”

As Cong. Al Green stood before the embassy, he declared, “This is a human tragedy of the highest order.  More than 450,000 are dead, approximately 2.5 million are displaced and 3 million are said to be surviving on emergency aid.  This horrific condition exists for two reasons:  The actions of persons of ill will, evil doers, and sadly because of the inaction of people of good will.  Its time for people of good will to take a stand.”  Green went on to say that “When it comes to fighting for the lives of our brothers and sisters, people of good will must band together regardless of race, creed, color, religion, disability, national origin, or political party and proclaim ‘Genocide will not be tolerated anywhere in this world!’”

Today’s campaign underscored the need for action and the determination of the Congressional Black Caucus to see that policies match the gravity of the crimes committed in Sudan.  Cong. Al Green and other Congressional Black Caucus Members were taken to jail and released following processing and payment of a $50 fine at the 3rd District Metropolitan Police department, located at 1620 V Street, NW, in Washington, DC.