A Debate Over Speech As A Boston Common Rally Is Cut Short
Counter protesters amassed outside of the barriers at the Parkman Bandstand. Photo by Jesse Costa for WBUR
Police estimate that 40,000 people converged on Boston Common on Saturday to protest a few dozen people attending what organizers called a free speech rally.
Critics of that rally, including Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, said the event gave a platform to people who promote hate. The rally was cut short, and organizers of it said they were denied their right to exercise free speech.