19 Feb 2022 | 09:18 PM UTC
Canada: Police arrest and disperse demonstrators in Ottawa city center Feb. 19 /update 8
Police arrest, disperse demonstrators in downtown Ottawa, Ont., Canada, Feb. 19, following three weeks of COVID-19 protests and blockades.
Event
Police have continued their operation to disperse demonstrators in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Feb. 19. Authorities have now seized the demonstrators' main encampment on Wellington Street and have cleared the area around the National War Memorial, moving protesters away from the Parliamentary Precinct toward O'Connor Street. Police have reportedly used chemical irritants and stun grenades to forcibly disperse demonstrators; police officers have also reportedly smashed vehicles' windows to arrest protesters locked inside. In turn, protesters have responded by throwing smoke canisters at police.
Authorities have called on demonstrators to leave the area immediately and have arrested those who refuse. Police have arrested dozens of people Feb. 19, in addition to more than 100 others Feb. 18. Several protest leaders are among those who have been arrested, and one of the major groups that organized the demonstrations has called upon the remaining protesters to move their vehicles away from the parliament building. Additionally, tow truck operators have towed dozens of trucks and large vehicles from the area. Authorities have closed Chaudieres Bridge to Ottawa-bound traffic to prevent additional protesters from gathering in the city; officials have also reportedly closed Portage Bridge to traffic.
Police are likely to maintain a heavy presence in downtown Ottawa over the coming days. Continued clashes are likely between protesters and police in Ottawa through at least early Feb. 20 as some demonstrators refuse to leave the downtown area. Localized business and transport disruptions are also probable during the security operation and in the days after the demonstration ends.
Context
Truckers and their supporters have remained in Ottawa since Jan. 28 to protest Canada's COVID-19 restrictions and vaccine mandates. The demonstration has been centered around Wellington Street near parliament and the prime minister's office. The Canadian government has invoked the Emergencies Act to deal with the protest in Ottawa and related demonstrations across Canada. The measure allows the federal government to regulate or prohibit certain kinds of public assemblies, travel, and the use of certain properties.
Advice
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution and to mitigate delays. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Do not attempt to pass through roadblocks; wait for authorities to clear the road. Reconfirm appointments. Confirm the status of routes before traveling in impacted locations. Plan accordingly for possible freight trucking delays via Ottawa.
