The co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, Ben Cohen, was arrested during a protest against the prosecution of Julian Assange, read about the latest developments in the case and the activism of the renowned ice cream brand.
Who is Ben Cohen?
Ben Cohen is a prominent American businessman and social activist who co-founded Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Born on March 18, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York, Cohen grew up in a Jewish family that instilled in him a deep sense of social responsibility and the value of social justice.
Cohen attended a liberal college founded by Quakers in Pennsylvania before enrolling in 1970 at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. There he met his future business partner, Jerry Greenfield. After trying several different business ventures, the two founded Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream in Burlington, Vermont in 1978.
Under Cohen’s leadership, Ben & Jerry’s became known not only for its delicious and innovative ice cream flavors, but also for its socially responsible business practices. The company prides itself on using ethical ingredients and championing progressive causes, such as supporting small family farmers, promoting marriage equality and advocating for environmental protection.
Cohen himself has been a vocal advocate for all of these causes and more, often using his platform to speak out on a variety of social issues. In addition to his activism through Ben & Jerry’s, Cohen has also been involved in various progressive campaigns, including working to reform campaign finance laws and protesting the Keystone XL pipeline.
Ben Cohen is a passionate and committed advocate for social justice issues and an innovative entrepreneur who has built a socially responsible business from the ground up. She continues to be a leading voice in progressive activism, using her platform to drive change and raise awareness of important issues in her community and beyond.
Ben Cohen Arrested?
Ben Cohen, co-founder of the renowned ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, made headlines Thursday when he was arrested outside the Justice Department during a protest in support of Wikileaks publisher Julian Assange.
In a tweet posted on Wednesday, Cohen had already announced his intention to “protest the criminalization of the free press and the prosecution” of Assange, fully aware that such an act would put him at risk of arrest.
Julian Assange, known for his involvement in the release of classified military records, diplomatic cables and controversial emails related to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, is a figure who evokes both admiration as a courageous whistleblower and contempt from US officials who see him as a traitor responsible for compromising sensitive information.
Assange faces 17 charges under the Espionage Act as of May 2019 and is currently fighting extradition while being held in a high-security prison in south-east London.
During the protest, Cohen joined forces with Jodie Evans, co-founder of the social justice organization CODEPINK, as they voiced their opposition to the allegations against Assange.
In a video shared on social media, Cohen can be seen lighting a sign that reads “Freedom of the Press” while declaring, “Freedom of the press goes up in smoke.” He then tried to enter the Ministry of Justice building, but was denied access by security guards. Because of this, Cohen and Evans allegedly sat on the front steps until they were handcuffed.
Cohen later posted an update on Twitter, revealing that both he and Evans had been released after about three hours in police custody. In his tweet, he called on President Biden to fulfill his promise, noting that journalism should never be treated as a crime. Cohen concluded his message with the hashtags #Dropthecharges and #FreeAssange.
Known for their activism, Cohen and his co-founder Jerry Greenfield have a history of expressing their social and political beliefs through various means, including creating ice cream flavors that raise awareness of important issues. Examples include Justice Remix, dedicated to criminal justice reform, and Pecan Resist, focused on resisting regressive policies associated with the previous administration.
Ben & Jerry’s has consistently demonstrated its commitment to social awareness through flavors like Save Our Swirled, calling attention to climate change, and I Dough, I Dough, which celebrated the legalization of same-sex marriage.
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What happened to the arrest of Ben Cohen?
Ben Cohen, co-founder of the beloved ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, found himself in a surprising turn of events on July 6, 2023. Standing outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) building in Washington, DC, he passionately expressed his support for Julian Assange, the controversial founder of WikiLeaks. Facing extradition to the United States on multiple counts under the Espionage Act, Assange’s plight struck a chord with Cohen, known for his commitment to activism and social justice.
With unwavering determination, Cohen lit a “Freedom of the Press” sign, declaring that true democracy cannot exist without the freedom to report the truth. In an act of civil disobedience, he and Jodie Evans, co-founder of the influential feminist activist group CODEPINK, blocked the entrance to the DOJ building. Their peaceful protest against what they saw as an unjust law attracted the attention of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), leading to their subsequent arrest. Fortunately, their detention did not last more than three hours and they were released.
Cohen wasted no time in using his platform to urge President Joe Biden to reconsider the allegations against Assange, stressing that journalism should never be criminalized. In a tweet expressing his sense of accomplishment, he revealed his willingness to risk arrest for a cause he strongly believed in.
Joined by passionate CODEPINK members, Cohen and Evans made a powerful statement by blocking the entrance to the building, unwavering in their commitment for nearly an hour. Captured on video amid a torrential downpour, Cohen’s arrest showed his unwavering determination, embodied by the fiery symbol of freedom of the press.
As he witnessed the sign engulfed in flames, Cohen uttered a moving statement: “Freedom of the press goes up in smoke,” summing up the gravity of the situation.
After his release, Cohen took to social media to share the news, urging President Joe Biden to honor his promise and refrain from indicting Assange. With the hashtags #Dropthecharges and #FreeAssange, he sought to mobilize support and ensure that justice prevailed.
In his journey from ice cream entrepreneur to activist, Cohen’s steadfast stance on issues of social importance shines through. The arrest may have been a momentary setback, but his voice and commitment remain resolute, reflecting a sense that freedom of the press must be fiercely protected.
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Who was arrested in Washington DC protesting the prosecution of Julian Assange?
Ben Cohen, the Vermont-based co-founder of the beloved ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, found himself in Washington, DC, in a surprising twist on Thursday. Standing with the feminist activist group CODEPINK, he passionately protested the US government’s prosecution of Wikileaks publisher Julian Assange.
As the rain poured down, Cohen and CODEPINK co-founder Jodie Evans defiantly sat outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) building, blocking the entrance for nearly an hour. Their peaceful act of civil disobedience, captured on video, speaks volumes for their commitment to defending press freedom.
In a powerful moment, Cohen lit a “Freedom of the Press” sign, symbolizing his concern that press freedoms would go up in smoke. Speaking against the prosecution of Assange, Cohen emphasized that without freedom of the press, democracy itself is at stake. He firmly believed that Assange, as a truth finder, should not have to pay for his actions.
Assange, who is currently being held at the high-security Belmarsh prison in south-east London, faces extradition to the United States on 18 counts related to the release of classified documents. Cohen expressed outrage at Assange’s treatment, calling his four years in solitary confinement torture. He called on others to support Assange in any way possible, emphasizing his belief in Assange’s innocence and the need to stand for the truth.
The indictment against Assange includes his involvement in the release of classified documents related to the war in Iraq and Guantanamo Bay. The seriousness of the charges could lead to a potential prison sentence of up to 175 years.
Numerous journalists condemned the persecution of Assange, considering it an attack on freedom of the press. Cohen, known for his activism and outspoken liberal views, traveled to Washington, DC fully prepared to be arrested, seeing it as a powerful way to confront injustice.
Reflecting on his decision to engage in civil disobedience, Cohen expressed satisfaction at taking a stand against an unjust law. For him, the arrest was the ultimate act of defiance, which strengthened his fight against injustice.
Earlier this week, Ben & Jerry’s ignited the debate with a bold Independence Day message on social media, highlighting the historical context of the stolen land and calling for its return. The controversial announcement sparked intense debate among supporters and critics alike, illustrating the brand’s willingness to tackle social issues head-on.
In a world where ice cream meets activism, Ben Cohen continues to be a force for change, using his platform to challenge social norms and advocate for justice.
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Source: HIS Education