Black Friday: 9 protesters arrested outside Wal-Mart in Paramount

Source: LA Times

Authorities arrested nine protesters, including a man wearing a priest's collar, outside a Wal-Mart in Paramount, Calif., for sitting down in the middle of a street and refusing to budge.

Around noon Friday, Los Angeles sheriff's deputies peacefully handcuffed the four women and five men, arresting them on suspicion of illegally assembling. The nine were participating in a rally that drew about 400 Wal-Mart employees, union members and others agitating for better working conditions at the world's largest retailer.

Dozens of other organized rallies also occurred Friday outside Wal-Mart stores around the country, including one in Duarte and one in Los Angeles' Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw neighborhood.

As sheriff's helicopters buzzed overhead, the protesters were peacefully handcuffed and led away by deputies while the crowd applauded and chanted, "We support the workers. We support them!"

Protesters earlier were also singing, "We shall overcome ... Wal-Mart land!"

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-black-friday-protest-arrest-20121123,0,6435188.story