Police in the Canadian capital Ottawa arrested at least 100 participants of the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’ last day. They are suspected of various crimes, such as causing damage to other people’s property. At least 20 vehicles were also towed.
Demonstrations have been going on in Ottawa for about three weeks against, among other things, Prime Minister Trudeau’s corona measures. This happens, among other things, with trucks, which block the roads to the center. Yesterday the police started detaining participants of the protest movement. Among other things, two driving forces were detainedlater two other protest leaders were arrested.
“We have the situation under control and continue to clear our streets,” the acting chief of local police said. “We will do that day and night.” Despite the police action, dozens of trucks are still outside downtown Ottawa. It is expected that the police will need the entire weekend to clear the entire area.
Unrest around parliament
In some places in the city, the atmosphere remains grim. Protesters and officers came face to face. Protesters attacked officers and attempted to take their weapons, police said. The tow trucks that towed trucks were guarded by officers. Employees wore ski hats so as not to be recognized, and company names were also taped, for fear of reprisals.
One of the activist groups says it has no intention of leaving. “We refuse to bow to abuse of power. The world is watching, Canada,” the group warns, according to Reuters news agency.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Trudeau an emergency law to make it harder for the protesters. The emergency law, which was not previously deployed, allows banks to freeze accounts used to support protesters. Agents are also given more powers.
Correspondent Marieke de Vries visited the demonstrators in Ottawa three weeks ago:
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