LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Pro-Palestine activists arrested last week in Louisville promise this is not the end to their demonstrations.
On Friday, Feb. 2, 15 people were arrested for blocking the entrances at the Naval Ordnance complex to two Louisville businesses, Raytheon Technologies and BAE Systems.
Protesters from the Louisville Ceasefire Coalition claim the companies are manufacturing weapons to use in the war in Gaza and are calling for a cease fire.
The group gathered outside the Hall of Justice with signs in hand on Tuesday morning before their first court appearances on trespassing charges.
Protester Scott Mottola said the arrests were for being on the side of peace.
"I risked arrest because I believe it's a powerful and attention grabbing way to call out injustice on an international scale. We must interrupt business as usual because nothing about this is customary," he said.
WDRB has reached out to the two companies for comment but have not heard back.
Organizers said they were able to post bond with the help of community donations. They said four Louisville attorneys, Rania Attum, Byron Gary, Ben Potash and Maureen Sullivan, have committed to represent them pro-bono.
The Louisville Ceasefire Coalition was formed after October 7, 2023, to push for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
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Pro-Palestine activists arrested in Louisville following protests on Friday morning
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