Angered by rape case, Filipinos storm embassy

[unhappycamper]

Filipino student activists pound a bronze U.S. government seal at the U.S. embassy during a rally in Manila on Dec. 2. The protesters demanded the transfer to a Philippine jail of Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, who was convicted a year ago of raping a Filipino woman but has remained detained at the embassy.


Angered by rape case, Filipinos storm embassy
The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Dec 3, 2007 6:11:30 EST

MANILA, Philippines — About two dozen protesters stormed the American Embassy in Manila on Sunday, pounding a U.S. government seal at the gate with their fists and a brick before surprised policemen pushed them away.

The protesters demanded the transfer to a Philippine jail of Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith, who was convicted exactly a year ago of raping a Filipino woman but has remained under U.S. government custody at the heavily fortified embassy.

Taking advantage of the absence of policemen, who usually stand guard outside the embassy, the protesters ran toward the gates and used their fists and a red brick to pound a bronze U.S. government seal on the wall, an Associated Press photographer at the scene said.

Policemen later arrived and pushed them away but did not make any arrests.

“It has been one year and he is still being protected by the United States government,” said protest leader Vencer Crisostomo, adding that American soldiers should face the consequences of crimes they commit overseas.

The protesters demanded the repeal of the bilateral Visiting Forces Agreement, which allows large numbers of American troops to join war exercises in the Philippines.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_philippinesprotest_071202/