Video cameras from the NY Post captured a clash many expected when controversial anti-jihad ads were placed in city subways.
Mona Eltahawy, a 45-year-old Egyptian-American activist, armed with a can of red spray paint intended to cover the contentious ad, but was met with resistance from Pamela Hall, who turned herself into a human shield.
When questioned by Hall if she had the right to vandalize the ad, Eltahawy replied, “I think this is freedom of expression, just as this is freedom of expression.
“I am expressing myself freely against hate and racism.”
The video was taken yesterday in the Times Square subway station by the NY Post as straphangers gathered around the altercation.
The controversial ads were placed in ten stations on Monday after the MTA’s original refusal to run them was overturned in court.
Eltahawy continued to attempt to spray paint the posters as Hall stood guard, an altercation that eventually culminated in Eltahawy’s arrest.
“This is what happens to non-violent protesters in America ion 2012,” she said.
As she was being taken away, Eltahawy said she “will continue to non-violently fight the hate.”
Eltahawy tweeted this morning that she was in court and is being charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief along with the hashtag, #freemona.
