Canada
This article was added by the user . TheWorldNews is not responsible for the content of the platform.

‘Freedom Convoy’ a ‘colossal’ violation of locals’ rights: Ottawa People’s Commission

Residents felt abandoned by police and government amid 'occupation' of the city's downtown by people protesting COVID measures and the federal government, says report

People march past police at a demonstration, part of a convoy-style protest, in Ottawa, on Saturday, April 30, 2022. The Ottawa People's Commission says last winter's weeks-long "Freedom Convoy" protest was a "colossal" violation of residents' rights.
People march past police at a demonstration, part of a convoy-style protest, in Ottawa, on Saturday, April 30, 2022. The Ottawa People's Commission says last winter's weeks-long "Freedom Convoy" protest was a "colossal" violation of residents' rights. Photo by PATRICK DOYLE /THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA — The Ottawa People’s Commission says last winter’s weeks-long “Freedom Convoy” protest was a “colossal” violation of residents’ rights.

The commission, which was run out of the Centretown Community Health Centre in downtown Ottawa, released the first part of its final report today on the demonstration’s impacts.

Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

Commissioners heard from more than 200 residents, many of whom alleged that they experienced violence, harassment and assault at the hands of protestors.

The report says that amid an “occupation” of the city’s downtown by people who were protesting COVID-19 measures and the federal government, residents felt abandoned by police and government.

It says that people with disabilities were left without access to help as support agencies scaled back their operations, and that many residents felt like “prisoners” in their own homes.

The second part of the report will be released in March, along with recommendations from the commissioners.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 30, 2023.

——

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.