Police in the United States city of Florida have arrested an activist for feeding the homeless in downtown Orlando.
According to police, Food Not Bombs charity group spokesman Eric Montanez was charged with violating a controversial law against feeding large groups of destitute people in the city centre.
Mr Montanez was filmed by undercover officers on Wednesday as he served "30 unidentified persons food from a large pot utilising a ladle," an arrest affidavit said.
The Orlando area is home to Disney World and Universal Studios Florida.
The Orlando law, which is supported by local business owners who say the homeless drive away customers, has been challenged in court by civil rights groups.
It allows charities to feed more than 25 people at a time within 3.2 kilometres of the Orlando City Hall only if they have a special permit.
They are able to receive two permits a year.
Police have collected a vial of the stew Mr Montanez was serving as evidence.
Police spokeswoman Barbara Jones says it is the first time anyone had been arrested under the feeding ban.
Mr Montanez has been charged with a misdemeanour.
2 comments:
now that is some stupid law..only in fla.
I wonder what happened to all the old Fla. soup kitchens ... did they sell them to more caring States ?
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