10 January 1999 • The Wizarding World's Beguiling Broadsheet of Choice • 5 κ
Protest in Diagon!
By Juliana Wright, Reporter
Shocking scenes unfolding in Diagon Alley signal the first signs of unrest with the new Minister for Magic and the changes that have ben brought about. At 3pm yesterday afternoon, a large crowd rallied outside of Gringotts and marched through the Alley toward the Ministry entrance. Loud, vocal and disruptive to the public and local businesses, the crowd seemed to gather support as they moved along the street. To the relief of Diagon Alley residence, the protest was stopped by the Ministry of Magic Law Enforcement Squad before it could turn violent.
It was later revealed that the rally was in support of muggleborn rights claming that many are innocent of the crimes they were accused of committing, though they did not address the fact many had plead guilty. Protesters called for greater judicial objectivity and the review of the many cases that have gone before the Wizengamot. They also demanded the release of all prisoners in Azkaban imprisoned under Section 1(1) of the Penal Act of 1997, also known as Theft of Magic.
Protesters in Diagon Alley - B. Small
What shocked many was the response of the Magical Law Enforcement. Onlookers suggest the protest was peaceful, but squad members charged in with excessive violence that horrified witnesses. Reports suggest as many as 10 were injured. The Muggleborn Advocacy Right Coalition, MARC, had taken responsibility for the organization of the protest and several member of the group have been taken in for questioning.
The Ministry has yet to respond to the allegations about Law Enforcement actions nor to the request from protesters. When stopped whilst leaving the Ministry yesterday evening, the Minister refused to comment on the matter.