Protesters on both sides share blame for increased hostility in Beltline demonstrations, police chief says
CBC
Calgary's police chief is defending his department's response to protests held in the city's Beltline area on Saturday, calling the situation between anti-mandate protesters and counter-protesters a "stand-off" that left officers in a "no-win situation."
At a press conference held on Monday, Chief Mark Neufeld said that while he understands the frustrations of residents and businesses in the area, police have a "very difficult" task in managing the drawn out protests that have become a "complicated legal environment."
Over 2,000 protesters met along 17th Avenue S.W. on Saturday.
In response to videos circulated on social media that showed officers pushing back against counter-protesters — in some cases using their bikes — Neufeld said that the use of force was regrettable but that intervention was necessary.
He said that the officers that used force were doing so to create a pathway for anti-mandate protesters to move past counter-protesters, an act he said many interpreted as the police choosing sides.
"This was definitely not the case," said Neufeld.
"This was simply the most effective way to bring this conflict to a conclusion."
Nuefeld called the protests "volatile" and said that both sides were to blame for increasing hostility. He said that there were professional protesters present in both groups on Saturday who "want to promote conflict".
In a Twitter thread posted on Saturday, Mayor Jyoti Gondek questioned why bylaws weren't being enforced, calling the anti-mandate protest a "parade" that was operating without the proper permits and licences.
Neufeld said that police are looking into different bylaws to see how they could apply to the protests but cited the need for sensitivity around what he called "a new environment in terms of protests."
He said police are trying to find a balance between allowing people to exercise their right to protest and protecting the interests of local communities.
Neufeld also called the actions of city council members speaking out about the protests on social media "polarizing."
"I just think that it's been sort of oversimplified by individuals, some of them elected and some of them appointed," said Neufeld.
"Does that fuel the fire? sure. Do we have councillors that are encouraging people to go out and participate in the protests? Yes we do. Do I think that's a good idea? No, I don't."
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