Canada police clear protesters from Parliament street in bid to end siege
India Today
Canadian police aggressively pushed back protesters towing away trucks, arresting dozens of people and finally retaking control of the streets in front of the country’s Parliament buildings.
Police aggressively pushed back protesters in Canada’s besieged capital on Saturday, towing away trucks, arresting dozens of protesters and finally retaking control of the streets in front of the country’s Parliament buildings. Scores of trucks left under the increasing pressure, raising authorities’ hopes for an end to the three-week protest against the country’s Covid restrictions and the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The street in front of Parliament Hill, the collection of government offices that includes the Parliament buildings, was the heart of the protests. It had been occupied by protesters and their trucks since late last month, turning into a carnival on weekends.
“They are trying to push us all away,” said one protester, Jeremy Glass of Shelburne, Ontario, as authorities forced the crowds to move further from the Parliament buildings. “The main camp is seized now. We’re no longer in possession of it.”
READ | 70 arrested, vehicles towed in sweeping police action against protesting truckers in Canada
Canadian authorities also announced they had used emergency powers to seize 76 bank accounts connected to protesters, totaling roughly $3.2 million ($2.5 million US).
On Saturday, they also closed a bridge into the nation’s capital from Quebec to prevent a renewed influx of protesters.
Police said protesters remained aggressive, and pepper spray had been used to protect officers.
