NationStates Jolt Archive

Thousands hit the streets in Nemnanait Square in protest of the go-ahead for stem-cell research. The Government has made it quite clear that it will not budge on the position it has held.

"This is a very important undertaking. An embryo is not a living being yet, it is still part of the mother. Most times, it will not even be used. Still, people want to preotect the sanctity of a cell. So they shouldn't scratch an itch, wash themselves, or move, for some cell may be destroyed." --Herbert, Earl of Benthingrad.

What should the Government of Sel Appa do in response to these protests?

1000 National Guardsmen have been called up in case the protests become violent. They have been ordered only to fire if they are attacked first. The National Guardsmen are setting up guard stations on every corner to prevent any large-scale riots.

LIVE from Nemnenait Square:
While protests continue into the evening and the sun begins to drop under the horizon, the National Guard disperses into the crowds to keep order. Here is protestor, Tom Nichels:
They brought in soldiers to keep order!? We were just protesting what we think isn't right. Are we not allowed to protest? Perhaps we should get violent...

Although the protestors don't seem to be considering rioting, it has gotten a bit rougher since earlier today. Police have arrested 350 people for vandalism or disorderly conduct.

Martha Bigford, ALB News, Nemnenait Square.