Convoy protests: Morning starts with cleanup but police prepare for possible confrontations
Police continue their crackdown in downtown Ottawa as trucker-led convoy protesters continue to cause chaos in the city. Follow the Star's live coverage.
9:23 a.m.: Reporters on the scene report a quiet start to the morning on the main streets near Parliament, as cleanup crews do their work. Police officers and mounted units are setting up in the area in case of confrontations with protesters. The city's checkpoints remain in place.
9:09 a.m.: Ottawa police tweeted this morning that they continue to maintain a police presence around the area where the protests occurred. We are using fences to ensure the ground gained back is not lost." Police officers were seen entering the area in preparation for the day's actions.
5:47 a.m.: Police are poised for a third day of actively confronting protesters in downtown Ottawa in hopes of finally ending the weeks-long occupation of the national capital.
Yesterday, hundreds of officers, some in full riot gear and deploying pepper spray, moved more aggressively to clear the area in front of Parliament Hill of people and vehicles illegally protesting COVID-19 public health measures.
Steve Bell, Ottawa's interim police chief, said officers had little choice but to use greater force in the face of demonstrators who ignored their repeated warnings to clear the area they had occupied for just over three weeks.
Police said 47 more people were arrested, bringing the total to 170 since Thursday, while dozens of vehicles, including many large trucks, either pulled out on their own or were towed away.
They also said they deployed mid-range impact weapons last night after protesters allegedly assaulted officers with weapons, though no serious injuries on either side were reported.
Sunday 5:46 a.m.: Some of the most high-profile organizers of protests against government and COVID-19 mandates in Ottawa are facing charges that include mischief and counselling to commit mischief. What does that actually mean? Here's a look at the significance of mischief charges and the consequences the people charged may face:
What is a mischief charge?
A mischief charge under the Criminal Code is extremely flexible, covering a wide range of possible offences from interfering with computer data to mischief endangering life or causing death.
The most common use of mischief in the context of protests relates to interference with someone's rights either to work or access property or tools, said Martin Peters, a Vancouver criminal lawyer.