3 charged for alleged assault of officers at Toronto protests

September 12, 2024 Canuck

Three people were arrested and charged on Wednesday at protests in downtown Toronto where police allege they assaulted two officers.

The alleged assaults happened outside Meridian Hall in the area of Yonge Street and Front Street E. at about 6 p.m. and later outside the headquarters of police’s 51 Division at Parliament Street and Front Street E., according to police.

One woman, 45, was arrested at the first demonstration, while a woman, 27, and a man, 25, were arrested outside a police station, police said in the release. A spokesperson for an advocacy group says all three were pro-Palestinian protesters.

All three were charged with assault of a peace officer, police said in a news release on Thursday. The man was also charged with assault with a weapon. He is accused of throwing a water bottle at an officer that struck the officer in the face.

Stephanie Sayer, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, said in an email on Thursday that police are looking for two other demonstrators.

“There were a number of officers assaulted last night — shoved or spit on — but two officers sustained minor injuries. No medical attention was required,” Sayer said in the email.

Jews Say No to Genocide Coalition and the Coalition Against Pinkwashing, two advocacy groups, organized the demonstrations. The groups said in a news release that the first was in support of Palestinian people and against the hosting of “figures who actively promote war crimes and bigotry.”

At Meridian Hall, the UJA (United Jewish Appeal) Federation of Greater Toronto was launching its annual campaign. The event was said to feature U.S. journalist Bari Weiss, Israeli actress Shira Haas, U.S. author and Rabbi David Wolpe, and Shlomo Lipman, an Israeli soldier who is a singer.

The groups said the demonstrators gathered outside the police station in support of the protester who was arrested outside Meridian Hall.

Toronto police say the alleged assaults of officers happened outside Meridian Hall in the area of Yonge Street and Front Street E. at about 6 p.m. and later outside the headquarters of police’s 51 Division at Parliament Street and Front Street E. (Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)

Police said the group of demonstrators who were protesting the event at Meridian Hall tried to enter the building. Officers removed the protesters and a woman became combative, police added. Police alleged the woman assaulted an officer.

Police said the demonstrators then went to 51 Division, where police said the demonstrators became combative again and police alleged another woman assaulted another officer.

A male demonstrator threw the water bottle at an officer at this demonstration, police added.

Police behaviour ‘cowardly,’ advocate says

Gur Tsabar, spokesperson for the Jews Say No to Genocide Coalition, said the protest outside Meridian Hall was peaceful. He said police officers dragged numerous people away from the venue.

“One protester fell down to the ground, and the next thing we know, she’s in handcuffs,” Tsabar said.

Video on social media appeared to show police dragging one woman from the event.

The protesters continued the demonstration after the woman was taken away by police. Members of the group tried to find out where she was taken. Once the attendees went into the building for the event, the protesters moved to Union Station while they waited for news of her location, he said.

Tsabar said the protesters marched to 51 Division after learning the protester was taken there. A line of police officers greeted them, he added.

“And then the next thing we know, the line of police comes towards the crowd, jumps into the crowd.”

“It was the most cowardly and obscene behaviour you can imagine. They literally caused a riot in front of the division with people who are begging for the state, trying for the state, to stop being complicit in a genocide,” he said.

At ongoing emergency measures hearings before the International Court of Justice, Israel has repeatedly and strongly denied charges that its campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide.

The groups are compiling videos of the incident, Tsabar said.

Tsabar said another six protesters were arrested. At least three were taken to hospital and some were released, he said.

The 45-year-old woman is due to appear in court on Oct. 17. The 27-year-old woman and the 25-year-old man are due to appear in court on Oct. 21.

View original article here Source

Canada News

3 charged for alleged assault of officers at Toronto protests

Police behaviour ‘cowardly,’ advocate says

Royale Tiger Strong Paper Towel, 3 Equal 6 Rolls, 98 Sheets per Roll

Sudocrem - Diaper Rash Cream for Baby, Soothes, Heals, and Protects, Relief and Treatment of Diaper Rash, Zinc Oxide…

Pure Protein Bars - Nutritious, Gluten Free protein bar, made with Whey protein blend - low sugar, protein snack.…

CKeep Kinesiology Tape (2 Rolls), Original Cotton Elastic Premium Athletic Tape,33 ft 40 Precut Strips in…

WaterWipes Plastic-Free Original Baby Wipes, 99.9% Water Based Wipes, Unscented & Hypoallergenic for…

Diapers Size 4, 150 Count - Pampers Swaddlers Disposable Baby Diapers (Packaging & Prints May Vary)

Yes4All Neoprene Coated Dumbbell Hand Weight Sets of 2 - Multiple Weight Options with 15 Colors, Hexagon Shape,…

Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Washable Eyelash Mascara Makeup, Volumizing, Lengthening,…

Queen Size 4 Piece Sheet Set - Comfy Breathable & Cooling Sheets - Hotel Luxury Bed Sheets for Women & Men…

Glad White Garbage Bags - Tall 45 Litres - ForceFlex, Drawstring, with Febreze Fresh Clean Scent, 50 Trash Bags,…