Police charge three people at ‘Hugs over masks’ protest

Hamilton police have charged three people linked to an anti-mask rally held on Sunday.

In a release, police said they charged three men under the Reopening Ontario Act Sunday after a Hugs Over Masks" event was held across from city hall Sunday afternoon.

The organizer is among those charged, the release stated.

According to police, more than 35 people attended the event, held to protest COVID restrictions.

Prior to the event, Hamilton police identified the organizer and informed him that the planned gathering would be breaching offences under the Reopening Ontario Act and that charges would apply," police said. The organizer went ahead with the event."

Hamilton police attended the protest and confirmed there were more than 25 people in attendance - the limit allowed for outdoor gatherings.

A 26-year-old man faces a charge of failing to comply with the Reopening Ontario Act. If convicted, he will face a minimum fine of $10,000, police say. His court date is Jan. 11, 2021.

Also charged are a 48-year-old man and 72-year-old man with offences under the act.

Police remind residents to wear a mask, wash their hands frequently and practise physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID.

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com