Ottawa declares emergency over Covid protests
Toronto, Feb 7 (EFE).- Ottawa has declared a state of emergency due to coronavirus protests that have paralyzed the center of Canada’s capital city for more than a week.
In a statement, Ottawa mayor Jim Watson said that the declaration “reflects the serious danger and threat to the safety and security of residents posed by the ongoing demonstrations.”
On January 29, a convoy of hundreds of trucks and thousands of people rallied outside the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa to protest a coronavirus vaccine mandate for truck drivers.
More than 200 trucks and hundreds of people have kept the protest going, blocking some of the streets surrounding Parliament and sounding truck horns day and night.
Organizers have said that they will not abandon the protest until the Canadian government lifts all pandemic restrictions.
Amid mounting criticism for their lack of action since the protest began, Ottawa police have started fining and arresting protesters.
Ottawa Police said Monday that they have arrested seven people and issued more than 100 tickets for violations such as transporting fuel and other supplies to truckers.
Police have also requested reinforcements from the Canadian Mounted Police and forces from other nearby municipalities. EFE
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