The police warned protesters who continue mobilizations in the center of Othabas that he is going to take action “directly” in order to put an end to the crisis that the Canadian Prime Minister Jastin Trianto says that “threatens public security”.
Protesters opposed to the pandemic have been blocking roads in the center of the Canadian capital for three weeks, blocking vital commercial highways on the border with the United States for several days.
Threats of fines and prison sentences have prompted several protesters to reconsider their stance and retreat from four points near the border.
In Ottawa, caretaker police chief Steve Bell warned protesters he had pledged to remove them. “We are strengthening our forces, drawing up clear plans and preparing to take action,” he said, stressing that this would be done “immediately”.
“To those involved in the illegal protests: if you want to leave on your own, now is the time to do so,” Bell said. “Your time in our city has come to an end and you must leave.”
Police say they will restrict access to downtown Ottawa and set up roadblocks around government buildings. At the same time, leaflets have been distributed to protesters warning them of “severe punishments”.
Despite the increased police presence in Ottawa, many protesters appear unyielding. “We are not going to respond to any attack,” said Chris Dassie, who has been protesting since Jan. 28. “We will stay here until the prime minister comes and speaks to us,” he said.
Sanctions are no longer “peaceful,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trinto said in a speech to parliament on Thursday, announcing he would enforce the emergency law.
Bad weather in the Canadian capital could complicate the situation, as meteorologists forecast heavy snowfall until Friday morning.
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