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May 6, 2007 12:15 pm US/Eastern
Biotech Protestors Expected At Boston Convention
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Bio International Convention at the Boston Convention Center
WBZ
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Bio International Convention at the Boston Convention Center
WBZ
Boston police are bracing for protestors during a four-day biotech conference that begins Sunday at the Convention Center.
Boston Police Superintendent Robert Dunford says he expects 1,500 protesters over four days.
The BIO International Convention will examine topics ranging from stem-cell research to global health. It is expected to draw 20,000 visitors and features speakers including actor Michael J. Fox and Jordan's Queen Noor.
It's also attracting activists opposed to animal testing, genetic engineering of food, and a Boston University biosafety lab in the South End.
Protestors will have a designated area about a block long across the street from the convention center for protests, similar to what was done outside the FleetCenter during the 2004 DNC.
"We're opposed to corporate control over research," said Brian Tokar, one of the protestors. "We're opposed to how the biotechnology industry is promoting corporate dominance over our food and our health."
Boston police say the protests could rival those at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
"The protestors, ill-informed as unfortunately they are, have their first amendment rights and we respect that," said Jim Greenwood, president of the convention. "We expect they will respect our rights to have our convention, and that we do all of this in a peaceful setting."
State police will provide security for about a dozen governors who are expected to attend. Federal agents will be in town to protect Queen Noor of Jordan, who's giving the keynote address on Tuesday.
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