Police warned protesters occupying central Ottawa of “imminent” action to remove them from the capital and began some arrests on Thursday to end a crisis that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had warned that public safety is at risk.
Truckers protesting coronavirus mandate blocked For nearly three weeks streets in downtown Ottawa, the centerpiece of a movement that has inspired anti-government protests in other countries and border crossings with the United States, were temporarily closed.
Fines and prison threats helped persuade protesters to withdraw from four US border points this week. Police have issued a similar warning in Ottawa.Where interim police chief Steve Bell said he was committed to getting the protesters out.
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“We are ramping up our resources, developing clear plans and preparing to take action. Action is imminent,” Bell told reporters. “For those engaged in unlawful protests – if you want to leave under your own terms, now is the time to do so.”
Police were seen arresting several protesters on Thursday evening, including Chris Barber, one of their main fundraisers and organisers. A video posted on the organizers’ Facebook page showed officers handcuffing him and placing him in the back of a police vehicle.
Police had no immediate comment.
The arrests marked a surge in police activity, which was disregarded by protesters, who honked their horns in unison earlier on Thursday, in violation of a court order. Others defied the warnings and soaked in a portable hot tub installed near Parliament’s door, which is used by many lawmakers.
“I’m not going anywhere,” said Pat King, one of the organizers of the protest. “I haven’t stayed over my welcome. My taxes were paid for my stay here.”
Police said they would restrict access to downtown Ottawa and officials began erecting barriers around government buildings. They have also distributed leaflets warning truck drivers and others of “severe penalties”.
While the officers have not physically removed the people, the increased police presence has forced the protesters to act and urged each other to remain calm.
“If the police move, we won’t move,” said Chris Dessey, who says he has been protesting every day since it began on January 28. “We will not respond to aggression of any kind. … We are here (until) the Prime Minister talks to us.”
Environment Canada said heavy snowfall began Thursday evening and could accumulate up to 12 inches (30 cm) by Friday morning.
‘illegal’ blockade
Around 400 vehicles are parked outside Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Office, paralyzing the city. Trudeau calling the blockade a threat to democracy implemented emergency measures on Monday, Giving their government temporary powers to shut them down.
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“Barriers and businesses are illegal. They threaten our economy, relationships with trading partners, they threaten supply chains and the availability of essential goods such as food and medicine. They are a threat to public safety,” Trudeau said. said on Thursday.
Protesters initially opposed cross-border COVID-19 vaccine mandates for truck drivers and other restrictions. But he has made his opposition to Trudeau clear and some say they want to remove him.
Canadian officials have warned extremist elements among the protesters, whom they say are seeking to overthrow the government. But Trudeau softened his rhetoric in remarks to lawmakers on Thursday.
“Canadians have the right to freedom of expression, the right to protest peacefully, but taking over the city of our major cities, protesting and crossing the border is unacceptable,” he said.
In an open letter to the leaders, the organizers of Self-styled “Freedom Convoy” Trudeau’s government: “End the mandate, end the vaccine passport. So here we are.”
Protesters previously blocked Ontario’s Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, an important trade route that is North America’s busiest land border crossing. Before the Sunday clean, The blockade of the bridge caused damage to the US-Canada Trade.
Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino told the House of Commons: “(The) kind of conduct we have seen on our borders raises serious questions about the integrity and security of this country.”
Police in Windsor, Ontario, said they had foiled a suspicious attempt earlier this week to reinstall barriers near the bridge. And in Ottawa, officers have received reinforcements from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with more officers expected.
An Ottawa demonstrator predicted that the demonstrations would continue, even as police tried to remove them and make arrests.
“I think most people are going to take a knee and be peaceful,” said Sean, who declined to give his last name. “Nobody’s going to fight, nobody’s going to be violent if they need to be arrested.”
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See: Canada scrambles to end protests against COVID measures as bridge blockades continue. Pics. In