Ottawa Police Chief: “Criminal Charges” and “Financial Sanctions” for Those Involved in Freedom Convoy Protest
On Saturday (Feb. 19), Interim Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell revealed there will be an investigation into Freedom Convoy protesters and their supporters for months to come.
“Can you elaborate?” asked an independent reporter. Adding, “Like if the protesters at this point, you know retreat and go home are they going to be getting repercussions down the road. Are you going to be sort of actively pursuing the people that you’ve been sort of documenting and filming that are still out there protesting? What are your plans after this?”
“The simple answer is yes. If you are involved in this protest we will actively look to identify you and follow up with financial sanctions and criminal charges. Absolutely,” Bell answered.
“This investigation will go on for months to come.”
Canada Freezes $3.2 Million in Bank Accounts Linked to Ongoing Protests Against COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
At least 76 accounts with financial services firms have been frozen under new powers granted by the Emergencies Act over the past five days, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino announced on Saturday (Feb. 19).
Speaking at a virtual press conference that began just as police officers violently cleared protesters from Wellington Street in front of Parliament, Mendicino said “at least 76” accounts containing $3.2 million had been frozen under the powers of the Act.
“The numbers that we have been able to provide you thus far … show very obviously how the Emergencies Act is being used to bring about the peaceful conclusion of the illegal blockades,” he said.
Matt Torigian has written to city council and the Ottawa Police Services Board on Thursday, saying he would terminate his two-day-old contract:
“My sincere desire in accepting this request was to help restore order in Ottawa and increase confidence in the Ottawa Police Service,” he said.
Achieving this objective is clearly something that requires the support of the people of Ottawa as expressed by city council. Events in the past two days have made it clear that this support is lacking. I wish the people of Ottawa a speedy and safe resolution of the challenge before them.”