Police warned protesters occupying central Ottawa of “imminent” action to clear them from the capital and began making arrests on Thursday (Feb. 17) to end a crisis that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed was waving “swastikas” and threatening public safety.
Truckers opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates have blocked roads in downtown Ottawa for nearly three weeks, the centrepiece of a movement that has inspired similar protests in other countries and temporarily shut border crossings with the United States.
Police were seen arresting several protesters on Thursday evening, including Chris Barber, one of their main fundraisers and organizers.
There was no immediate police comment.
Two key organizers of the Freedom Convoy, Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, have been arrested in Ottawa, CBC News has confirmed.
Lich was arrested Thursday (Feb. 17) evening and Barber earlier in the day by Ottawa police. Both remain in police custody. The two have been described as key leaders of the protest in Ottawa, which has now hit the three-week mark.