Arrests made during the “Freedom Convoy” demonstrations in Ottawa; dozens of criminal investigations launched: the police

Canadian authorities have arrested several people in Ottawa who were part of a “freedom convoy” protesting COVID-19 vaccination mandates, The hill reports.

In a report On Sunday, the Ottawa Police Service said it had launched 60 criminal investigations into the protests, stemming from mischief, property crime and theft to hate crimes.

According to The Washington Post, Ottawa police said they made seven arrests in connection with property damage and other acts of “mischief” Sunday night.

Police also said several vehicles and fuel were seized during the protests, the statement said.

Authorities also issued more than 500 tickets over the weekend for notices such as “excessive honking” and seatbelt violations, the Post reported.

“More than 100 traffic violation notices and other provincial offense notices have been issued, including excessive honking, wrong-way driving, faulty muffler, missing seat belt, ‘alcohol readily available and the wrong class of driver’s license,’ the OPS said in its statement.

The City of Ottawa declared a state of emergency on Sunday in response to the second week of protests against local COVID-19 restrictions.

“Declaring a state of emergency reflects the grave danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing protests and underscores the need for support from other jurisdictions and levels of government,” the mayor said. ‘Ottawa, Jim Watson, in a statement.

Starting last month, truck drivers had to enter Canada fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, in line with a similar requirement the US government imposed on truck drivers entering the country.

In a statement released last week, the Canadian Trucking Alliance condemned the actions of some protesters at the protest, calling it a “disgusting act”.