Two opposing groups hold demonstrations outside Toronto hotel where Eritrean party held
CTV
Toronto police have blocked several roads downtown as two opposing groups gather to protest.
Tensions were high outside a downtown Toronto hotel Sunday as two opposing demonstrations were held ahead of a contentious Eritrean party, with one group condemning the event and the other voicing their support.
Hundreds of police officers, including members of the mounted unit, were deployed in the vicinity of the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, where dozens of protesters from the two groups had gathered.
One of the groups, whose members wore blue t-shirts, called the hotel to cancel the party, which they described as a fundraising event for the Eritrean government.
Eritrea hasn’t held an election since its first president came into power decades ago. The group had said that the government has limited many freedoms and has forced military conscription, which has led millions of people to flee the country.
A member of the group, identified as Yafet, said the proceeds collected during the party will fund wars, child soldiers and “all kinds of illegal things.”
Yafet and his group were at Earlscourt Park on Saturday to protest the Eritrean festival being held there. At least nine people were injured when demonstrators and festivalgoers clashed. The two sides blamed each other for starting the violence.
A second group, whose members were mostly wearing white t-shirts, later showed up and appeared to be in support of the Eritrean government.
