Police charge one more after demonstration blocked downtown traffic

Ottawa police charged and arrested another person after last week’s demonstration that blocked downtown Ottawa traffic.

Officials said the pro-Palestine demonstration that happened Nov. 18 resulted in multiple charges laid that night, but out of caution officers did not continue arresting people despite seeing some “committing offences.”

The group had gathered on Elgin Street at around 5:00 p.m. and were told by Police Liaison Team (PLT) members “multiple times” that the demonstration would need to stay on the sidewalk.

“These activities included obstructing police, mischief, directing others to commit offences and repeated noise offences,” a press release reads.

According to officers, a 20-minute delay ensued where demonstrators took over a portion of the Elgin Street and Nepean Street intersection, which blocked the City of Ottawa parking garage.

“Despite repeated orders from police and dialogue with PLT members at that location, the demonstrators remained and interactions between police and demonstrators began,” officials said.

It was deemed it could be “an escalation” if police continued arresting.

Nearly a week later, a 29-year-old woman was arrested in relation to the demonstration. She was charged with public mischief X2, obstruction of police, counsel an uncommitted indictable offence of mischief and unlawful assembly.

She is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow.

“We recognize the concerns raised by members of the community regarding these arrests,” police said. “The OPS is committed to ensuring community safety and respecting the lawful right to protest. Any charges related to demonstrations are carefully considered with this balance, and we are focused on balancing the need for public safety with fostering trust and understanding.”

Officials are continuing the investigation.

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