HOUSTON – Houston U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-TX) was arrested Friday outside of the Sudanese Embassy in Washington, D.C., along with movie star George Clooney and several elected leaders and civil rights activists.
On Saturday, Green told Local 2 he thinks he made the right decision, even if it meant going to jail.
"You can arrest people, but you can't stop them from standing up for what they believe in for others," Green said. "And that arrest was a small price to pay if we can save one child's life, feed one child. What a small price to pay."
They were protesting a humanitarian crisis in Sudan that threatens to lead to the starvation and genocide of thousands of people.
"I have paid a fine. I've been released, and I'm proud to say I was arrested for a cause I will never be ashamed of," said Green.
Green said he and others joined with Clooney, who recently returned from a dangerous trip to the Sudan where he risked his personal safety by photographing horrific conditions. Earlier this week, the actor turned humanitarian met with President Barack Obama and urged him to engage China in stopping the crisis in Northern Africa.
Green said that he will sign on as a co-sponsor of a bill to help the Sudanese people.
Meanwhile, Clooney is scheduled to visit Houston on May 3 for a program sponsored by the Brilliant Lecture Series.
The founder of the Brilliant Lecture Series, Scott Brogan, issued a statement following Clooney's arrest.
"Mr. Clooney's unique celebrity helps focus the world's attention on issues he is most passionate about like the humanitarian crisis in Sudan," said Brogan. "During our Conversation with George Clooney as part of the Brilliant Lecture Series to be held May 3rd, Mr. Clooney will inspire Houstonians of all ages with his extraordinary career in Hollywood, his humanitarian work and the power celebrity has to make a positive difference in the world. We are honored to present this first such speaking engagement with Mr. Clooney in North America."