NationStates Jolt Archive

Imitoran National News Channel, Reported by the Associated Press->

Today, First Speaker Anna Frateli repealed the Imitora Equal Protection of Citizens act, first signed into acceptance by First Speaker James Ngyuen. This act served as the legal basis for a end to discrimination of non whites and non Catholic citizens of Imitora. While non white citizens of Imitora have yet to make any statements regarding the repealing of this bill, non Catholics, the group feared to be the most targeted, have made both vocal and physical protests.

In cities throughout the southern portion of Imitora, where the protestant concentration is heaviest, protests have grown in many major buisness areas. Boycotts of government run industries have also begun, with protestors sitting outside of bus stops, mail centers, and airports. Further, many Imitoran military personel of protestant descent have walked off bases and refused to follow orders issued. As of now, over eight thousand military personel are listed AWOL or held in military brigs.

Community leaders have already begun to speak out publicly to news groups across the nation. So far, the most vocal of the group, David Caleson, a Presbyterian Minister, has been the leading organizer protests, sit-ins, and boycotts. "This is an outrage," he was quoted as saying. "This pro-Papist government has once again acted against those who choose not to follow Rome. The repeal of the Protection Act is just another way of that damned Frateli trying to put us out of commision."

First Speaker Frateli has yet to comment on the situation in Southern Imitora, however, a source close to the First Speaker was quoted as saying, "This action in no way repeals any laws or rights of the minority groups in Imitora. If a crime is commited, it will be dealt with fairly by the authorities."

There as yet to be a response to this comment by Caleson. However, other groups have spoken out as well. Shiek Rashid al-Muhamed was quoted saying, "Why the uprise? Why shout and be an anoyance. The Muslim community felt no backlash from the government or people before the Act was sighned. We have no fear that we will feel any now that it has been repealed. If you act like a radical, you will be treated as one."

Rabbi Jacob Wiseman was quoted similary as saying "We were never persecuted before hand. If you stay quiet and not be a nuisance, you will be treated with respect and dignity."

The only response to INNC from the government was to be ready for a news confrence with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Ryan Cobston.

OOC: Yes, I know the whole Catholic v Protestant thing has been done to death, but they are the only group in my nation that would really act up, and the only group with a chance to make a serious dent in the government.

Northampton Press Center, Northampton, Imitora

The press room was the same that had been used by many a First Speaker and staff. The room was set up as it had always been, one chair for every major press organization with a beuro in Imitora, a podium in front for the speaker, and a table off to the side with refreshments. The press, the wicked band of vultures they were, was waiting for the Internal Affairs Minister, when the side door opened. However, it wasn't Ryan Cobston, but Sandy Cohen, the Premier Advisor to the First Speaker. He was the Imitoran Secretary of State, the so called 'Second Speaker'.

Sandy, after the 'Northampton Bay' incident, had been promoted to the position of Premier Advisor after his predacesor had taken ill. He walked confidently towards the podium, and blinked a few times to prepare his eyes for the onsalught of flash bulbs. Once the artifical light storm had finished, he took a sip of water, cleared his throat, and began speaking.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, as you know, First Speaker Frateli recently repealed the Protection Acts set forth by former First Speaker John Ngyuen. These acts were signed in after an outburst of crimes against certain groups of citizens, namely protestants, blacks, and Arabs. However, First Speaker Frateli felt that these laws only promoted a seperation between the groups, and they infact hurt equality, not promote it."

He paused. After allowing another set of flashes to die down, he started again. "There have been acusations by certain groups that this action is just an attempt by the Catholic leadership in Imitora to gain more power. I must stress that this is not the reason that the bill was repealed. Further, I must also stress that acting violently, boycotting industry, and other actions will only hurt those involved, and those that were initally protected. Further, I would like to emphasise that if a crime is commited, no matter who commits or who is the victim, the authorities will deal with it properly. Thank you, there wont be any questions."

He slid out the side door of the room amid the flash of cammera bulbs and shouts from reporters for questions and more sound bites. He held to his promise for no questions.
_

Just over a hundred miles away, a crowd gathered outside the Salemton city hall. The southern Imitoran town was home to David Caleson. The crowd was here to hear him speak. He stood on a stage as many gathered around. He knew well that a number of INSA and ICIA were in the crowd, but he didn't care. He had yet to do anything illegal. As soon as the press confrence, which was being broadcasted over radios in the south, ended, he began to speak.

"Ladies, gentlemen, young and old, I must thank you for comming out today. I must stress that we stand strong in these times. The government has once again turned its back on us, it is up to us to make them know we are here, and that we will be heard. The government is a Papist puppet, but we will no longer be quiet. We will let them now that they cannot silence us, that we will rise up! We must be strong! We must not go quietly, but instead, we will fight!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as he finished. However, a small group moved out to the back, and slid away into the city. The group had recorded the speach, and a copy was quickly sent to the INSA and ICIA headquarters in Northampton. While the Imitora Federal Crime Investigation Bearuo (IFCIB) had suggested to just ignore the group, Caleson was imidiately put on the rather short list of National Security Threats.