Via Just The News:
Canadian authorities are threatening to bring criminal charges against those who bring food and fuel to so-called Freedom Convoy truckers protesting the nation’s COVID-19 policies, which are generally harsher than in the U.S., by demonstrating with their trucks in downtown Ottawa, the capital.
The effort is reminiscent of U.S. prosecutors going after an Arizona man who left water across the desert for illegal border crossers and Texas banning a Catholic ministry from transporting migrants to help them find long-term shelter, food and water.
An Ottawa government worker accomplished even more, even faster, as lead plaintiff in a $9.8 million lawsuit seeking class-action status against Freedom Convoy leaders and participants.
Zexi Li claimed that quiet periods are “almost as unbearable” as the trucks’ honking because of her “anxious anticipation” of the honking returning. She convinced a judge Monday — three days after filing suit — to grant a 10-day injunction.
The Ontario Superior Court banned private use of “air horns or train horns” above Highway 417 in Ottawa, and gave police authority to “arrest and remove” anyone who knowingly violates the order. Named defendants are also ordered to share the order on their social media channels.
Ottawa City Councillor Catherine McKenney went so far as personally warning protesters on the street they could be sued if they didn’t leave the next morning and sign a legal waiver she gave them. Li’s lawyer Paul Champ also warned protesters they need legal representation.
A public interest law firm representing “key leaders and organizers” in court and collecting affidavits from supporters is accusing the government of violating the Charter rights of demonstrators by arresting and ticketing them for peaceful demonstrations.
In a clip made available by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly said Jan. 31 that “no injuries, no deaths, no riots” had occurred in the first four days of demonstrations, “despite the fact that we have a global cause, national protest, tens of thousands of individuals from a wide variety of causes” protesting round the clock.
The police changed their tune the following weekend, warning that anyone bringing “material supports (gas, etc.)” to demonstrators could be arrested.
“We are going to be interdicting anything that is supporting and enabling the ongoing demonstrations and occupations and unlawful behavior in the city,” including fuel supplies and “any other supports,” Sloly told 580 CFRA Monday.
Police arrested seven individuals overnight, issued 500 tickets and seized “large amounts of propane,” the chief said. CTV News reported the arrests were for providing material goods.
While police dismantled a protest “encampment” through “peaceful negotiation,” they were prepared to “forcefully” shut it down, Sloly told the radio show.
Claiming that targeted road closures reduced trucks and demonstrators in the city Sunday by 50%, he said: “Don’t come to protest. If you do, do it lawfully.” Sloly referred to his force’s “surge and contain strategy” and mentioned unspecified “criminal code offenses.”
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