February 19, 2022, 02:15pm.
Police in Canada's capital used pepper spray and towed away protesters' trucks as they broke up demonstrations that had been going on for weeks.
Canadian police face off with demonstrators participating in a protest. The photo was taken by Scott Olson.
The police made 47 arrests by 1 p.m. After making more than 100 arrests Friday, the government towed away 38 vehicles that had been used by protesters to block downtown streets for weeks.
The police used pepper spray on the crowd, while the protesters poured water and rubbed snow on their eyes to clear their vision.
Police said they had been slow and methodical in their response to demonstrators, but had turned to using helmets and batons, among other devices, for their safety, accusing protesters of being aggressive.
The police arrested a protester who launched a gas canister and said they had arrested others who were in body armor and had smoke grenades and fireworks in their bags.
Three leaders of the protests were among those arrested.
Anyone who brings a child under the age of 18 to the protest site could face fines of up to 5,000 Canadian dollars and up to five years behind bars.
The Freedom Convoy moved into downtown Ottawa to protest the Covid-19 vaccine mandates. According to polls, the majority of Canadians disapprove of the way they blared horns, blocked streets and forced some businesses to close. At least 76 accounts with more than 3 million Canadian dollars raised to support the protests have been frozen, according to the Public Safety Minister. Police broke up blockades at three vital border crossings between the US and Canada after a demonstration against Covid-19 rules.
The New York Times reported on the arrest of truck drivers at a gun point.
Police arrest 15 protesters and tow away their vehicles as the standoff continues.
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