] ASHEVILLE, N.C. %u2014 Asheville leaders have barred
] demonstrators from a city park where supporters and
] opponents of the war against Iraq had gathered to chant,
] jeer one another and stage candlelight vigils.
]
] Asheville Police Department Chief Will Annarino said he
] was concerned for the safety of drivers and people
] crossing the street between the two groups. Officials
] were also worried about possibly violent confrontations
] between the opposing groups.
]
] They set up orange barricades and "No Trespassing" signs
] around Vance Monument to keep out demonstrators and have
] asked the factions to hold their gatherings at two other
] locations separated by about four blocks. The closing
] will last indefinitely, but groups granted permits before
] the closing will still be allowed to hold events, city
] parks director Irby Brinson said.
]
] Anti-war protesters have questioned whether the
] monument's closing violates their rights to assemble and
] speak out.