(Reuters)BOSTON – Thousands of counter-protesters crammed Boston Common and marched through city streets on Saturday morning in efforts to drown out the planned “free speech” rally that many feared would be attended by white supremacist groups. By 1 p.m., the handful of rally attendees had left the Boston Common pavillion, concluding their event without the planned speeches. Caption City officials expect a gathering of thousands of participants and counterprotesters on Boston Common for a rally that is set to include speeches from several far-right political figures. Aug. 19, 2017 Marchers participate in an interfaith prayer service in Boston before marching against a planned ‘Free Speech Rally' on Boston Common, one week after the violent 'Unite the Right' rally in Charlottesville. “There have been questions about why we granted a permit for the rally,” Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said on Friday.

Source: Washington Post August 19, 2017 14:34 UTC