Charges After Downtown Street is Blocked During Demonstration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 19, 2024       8:43 am 

(Ottawa)— Four people were arrested last evening during a pro-Palestine demonstration in the downtown core after they ignored directions from police and blocked a street. 

The demonstrators had gathered on Elgin Street at approximately 5:00 p.m. during rush hour and were advised by the Police Liaison Team members multiple times that they would need to limit their demonstration to the sidewalk and not obstruct traffic. Demonstrators did not wish to comply with these requests.  

After a 20-minute delay, where the demonstrators took over a portion of the intersection of Elgin Street at Nepean Street blocking the City of Ottawa parking garage, the demonstrators began the walking protest on the sidewalk of Laurier Avenue West. They then quickly turned north on Metcalfe Street and took over the street.

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

Four demonstrators were arrested and charged with several offences. One person was charged with assaulting police and three people were charged with both mischief and obstruction of a peace officer. 

The arrested individuals were taken to 474 Elgin Street and demonstrators arrived at the building and continued a protest until approximately 11:00 p.m. There were also online calls for individuals to flood police phone lines with calls. OPS Communications Centre then began receiving some frivolous calls on 911 and other, non-urgent phone lines.

All four charged individuals will appear in show cause court this morning.

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