January 1, Dozens of Freedom Convoy Protestors Arrested

Canadian police began arresting demonstrators of the “Freedom Convoy,” the protest by truckers over COVID-19 restrictions, including vaccine mandates.

Truckers started their blockade in Ottawa last month, and demonstrations have since spread across the country. Police launched a massive operation to clear the protest.

“There is a large police presence on Nicholas Street, protesters are being advised to leave immediately,” the Ottawa police said.

“Some protesters are surrendering and are being arrested. We ask protesters to remain peaceful and lawful.”

There is a large police presence on Nicholas Street, protesters are being advised to leave immediately. Some protesters are surrendering and are being arrested. We ask protesters to remain peaceful and lawful.

— Ottawa Police (@OttawaPolice) February 18, 2022

Ahead of the arrests, Ottawa police issued a notice to demonstrators warning them that anyone participating or assisting the blockade was committing a crime.

Police said protestors “may be arrested and charged with criminal offenses including but not limited to mischief, and potentially charged with a variety of other non-criminal offenses.”

Ottawa Police established a secured area that people could not travel within.

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Canadian police begin arrests in trucker protests