Community groups want review after student arrested at Ottawa dress code protest
The arrest of a student at last week’s dress code blitz protest outside an Orléans high school has five community groups demanding answers.
“What we’re calling for is an independent, human-rights based review of the Ottawa Police Service, the Ottawa Police Services Board, and Crime Prevention Ottawa, which works closely with them,” said Robin Browne, the co-lead of 613-819 Black Hub.
The groups include the 613-819 Black Hub, the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, Asilu Collective, Ottawa Black Diaspora Coalition, and Horizon Ottawa. They say it would evaluate whether police actions caused harm.
“The city should be the one paying for it. We’re going to actually follow up with the city, make this a specific request to the city,” said Browne.
Interim Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell wrote in a letter to the police services board that the service reviewed the call and found officers acted appropriately.
“The challenges the officers faced were from youths who did not attend the school and who were repeatedly crossing the roadway to the protest and agitating the crowd,” Bell wrote, adding they were asked not to do that due to safety concerns “at least five times.”
“Block off the street. If they really mean it when they say they’re going to protect the right to lawful protest, you block off the street you don’t rush in there and let the cars go on through and arrest the students,” said Browne.
Ottawa police say complaints can be filed with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.