http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060727/NEWS05/607270432/1007/NEWSFor more than two years, Victor Kittila stood on a Ferndale corner and peacefully protested the war in Iraq by waving a sign that read "Honk For Peace."
But after he was arrested for demonstrating earlier this month, his message has gotten more notice than ever.
It's capturing the attention of local activist groups and even filmmaker Michael Moore and antiwar activist Tom Hayden, who Kittila said recently called to hail him as a hero. It also has gotten attention from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, which is keeping an eye on the case because it has First Amendment implications.
Kittila pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a charge of disorderly conduct at his arraignment in 43rd District Court, which was packed with dozens of metro Detroit supporters who said that they believe Kittila's July 3 arrest was unjust and a violation of his First Amendment right to free speech.
"It's outrageous," said Kathleen Parker, 46, of Harrison Township.