Ottawa police arrest 2 during pro-Palestinian demonstrations Saturday
Ottawa police laid charges against two people during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Saturday.
Ottawa's chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement has been organizing weekly rallies through the downtown core to protest Israel's ongoing armed offensive in Gaza and Lebanon since the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks.
On Saturday, police say two people were arrested. One man was taken into custody after inferring with the group demonstrating and a woman was arrested for assaulting a police officer following "repeated non-compliance orders from officers."
Demonstrators began marching from the Humans Rights Monument near Ottawa City Hall and marched down Elgin Street, Sussex Drive and Rideau Street. Video posted to social media by the Palestinian Youth Movement shows a confrontation between police and the demonstrators.
"The Ottawa police brutalized and attacked community members today and arrested a protestor dragging them out of the crowd. They shoved people at the back of the protest to force us onto the sidewalk. Every weekend protest has been on the streets. The police chose violence and escalation today," the group said in an Instagram post.
Demonstrators were seen protesting in front of the Ottawa police headquarters on Elgin Street on Sunday morning.
Saturday's arrests come after police arrested four pro-Palestinian demonstrators on Monday for charges that included mischief, assaulting police and obstruction of a peace officer. Police continue to investigate and say more charges may be laid.
"While peaceful protest is a right, it comes with the responsibility to respect the law and ensure public safety," police said on social media.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian
One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger.
A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him
A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls.
Scurvy resurgence highlights issues of food insecurity in Canada's rural and remote areas
A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada.
Lotto Max jackpot hits $80M for second time ever
The Lotto Max jackpot has climbed to $80 million for just the second time in Canadian lottery history.
'Very disturbing': Deepfake videos appear to target Canadian immigrants for thousands of dollars
Artificially generated videos of a Toronto-based lawyer asking for money appear to be just one way some try to exploit newcomers to Canada during a time of confusion around new immigration rules.
Nova Scotia Tories appear safe with close battle for second between Liberals and NDP
With two days left before Nova Scotians elect their next government, polls suggest Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston's decision to call an early vote will pay off and the real battle will be between the Liberals and NDP for second place.
Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest
Montreal's police chief says he expects more arrests stemming from a Friday anti-NATO protest that turned violent, with smashed windows and burned cars in downtown Montreal.
Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA
Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device.
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theatre debuts
With a combined US$270 million in worldwide ticket sales, 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' breathed fresh life into a box office that has struggled lately.