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                After Baltimore Rally, Curfew Violators Arrested

   by Smita Nordwall

   Baltimore police arrested at least a dozen people late Saturday for
   violating a 10 p.m. curfew after thousands rallied peacefully in front
   of City Hall earlier in the day.

   The mood Saturday was largely celebratory as protesters chanted "no
   justice, no peace" following Friday's announcement of charges against
   six police officers in the death of Freddie Gray.

   Gray, a 25-year-old African-American man, died of spinal injuries
   suffered while in police custody April 12. His death led to days of
   protests, which turned violent Monday after his funeral and resulted in
   the arrests of more than 200 people and injuries to at least 20 police
   officers.

   Earlier Saturday, relaxed marchers were snapping selfies with police
   wearing uniforms rather than riot gear.

   Curfew announcement

   But late Saturday, law enforcement officials again called for calm, and
   said the curfew would stay in place, announcing: "It is now 10 p.m. The
   curfew is in effect until 5 a.m. You must go home. You cannot remain in
   a public place. You will be subject to arrest."

   Several people were arrested after brief scuffles broke out with
   police.

   Saturday's rally was the largest-scale, organized gathering since
   State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby filed the felony charges, ranging from
   assault to murder. Organizers described it as a "victory rally."

   Baltimore resident Kwame Rose, 20, said, "So today's just to show the
   world that the youth that were displayed on the media on Monday night
   and Saturday night, as thugs and criminals, that we are actually
   peaceful citizens marching for productive change in the city."

   As those gathered Saturday prepared to hold a moment of silence, Rose
   told them, "A moment of silence for Baltimore, a moment of silence for
   world, a moment of silence for black lives. But most importantly, a
   moment of silence for the gentleman (Gray) that brought us all together
   and put Baltimore city on the forefront thoughts of America."

   Another rally is scheduled to take place Sunday at 3 p.m. at
   Baltimore's City Hall.

   ''In announcing the charges against the officers, Mosby said Gray
   "suffered a severe and critical neck injury as a result of being
   handcuffed, shackled by his feet and unrestrained" by a seatbelt in a
   police van used to transport him.

   But many warned that the charges, including second-degree murder and
   manslaughter, are just a first step toward justice. The six police
   officers were arraigned and posted bail Friday.

   Gray's stepfather, Richard Shipley, told reporters Friday the family
   was "satisfied" with the indictment against the three black officers
   and three white officers and appealed to demonstrators for calm.

   "If you are not coming in peace, please don't come at all," he said.

   Tamping down violence

   Maryland Governor Larry Hogan said he hopes to see the continuation of
   the four days of calm in the city that followed Monday's violence.

   In another development, the House Judiciary Committee is planning to
   hold a hearing on law enforcement accountability later this month.

   Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte said recent "news reports of excessive
   force by law enforcement and attacks on police officers have raised our
   nation's conscience about how law enforcement interacts with our
   nation's citizens."
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/baltimore-rally-followed-by-dozen-cur
   few-arrests/2746503.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/baltimore-rally-followed-by-dozen-curfew-arrests/2746503.html