Posts Tagged ‘g20 protests’
G8/G20 Security Highlights, 30 Jun 10
Scumbags Protesters Try to Interrupt Repatriation of War Dead
…. The arrival of our war dead at the Coroner’s office always begins with a 2:00 PM arrival at CFB Trenton, and the trip from the base to downtown Toronto almost invariably takes about two and half hours.
The Anarchists and Trots lunged out of Allen Gardens up on Carleton and made a fast march towards Yonge Street, getting as far as College and Yonge with baseball bats and the occasional slingshot firing ball bearings (I overheard a police radio talking about molotov cocktails, too). In short, they got within about 150 metres of the Coroner’s Office just as the motorcade was arriving. The timing was not accidental.
It was clear that a lot of the out-of town police were taking the opportunity to pay their respects for one of our war dead and their presence was heavier than usual; but in the 15 minutes before the arrival of Sgt Macneil’s body, things got confusing. Buses and vehicles for hundreds of police in riot gear were suddenly heading into the Grosvenor/Bay intersection. The cops were frantically juggling traffic space and trying to get vehicles in place right up to the last minute. About 200 cops in riot gear were martialled right from their buses just as the hearse and the cars carrying Sgt Macneil’s family went by. Within seconds of the coffin being carried into the Coroner’s office and the last of his escort and family following, the riot squad marched by on the way to fend off (the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty) ….
Classy.
Lotsa Jail Birds, Lotsa (Proposed) Protests
…. On the streets of Toronto, the mask of “liberal democracy” has slipped off and the police reminded us of the State’s willingness to use blatant violence against its own population in the face of popular dissent. And thanks to citizen journalists, the alternative media and even some in the corporate media, the truth of what happened in Toronto is slowly emerging.
In order to make sure that the actions of the police state are fully exposed, we must keep up the pressure on the police and the government.
We must also publicly demonstrate our solidarity with all those arrested so that they are released as quickly as possible and charges are dropped against all those caught up in the net of the police state.
In Toronto, solidarity rallies outside detention centres and police stations are already taking place. But just as police forces from across the province converged on Toronto for the G20, so our resistance must spread out from the epicentre of oppression to every corner of the province.
Common Cause thus calls on all those concerned to take the fight back across the province and across the country.
Starting this Wednesday, June 30, we are calling for solidarity rallies outside police headquarters in as many cities as possible ….
Where are the latest ones planned so far?
June 30, 2010 in Hamilton
5:00pm at Hamilton Police Headquarters
155 King William StreetJune 30, 2010 in London
6:00 pm at London Police Headquarters
601 Dundas St (Dundas and Adelaide)June 30, 2010 in Windsor
6:00pm at Windsor Police Headquarters
150 Goyeau StreetJune 30, 2010 in Ottawa
7pm at 474 Elgin Street (Ottawa Police Station)July 1, 2010 in Montreal
1pm carré Phillips,
St. Catherine
“Toronto Police seize machetes, sledgehammers, hot sauce from protesters”
Probably held and stashed away from the activists building a cutting, hammering, more tasty new world, right?
To Those Who Claim the Torched Police Cars Were Empty:
They weren’t – this from the Toronto Star:
…. At least three police vehicles were set ablaze by breakaway protesters, one belonging to Staff Sgt. Graham Queen, a father of two.
There are conspiracy theories that the burnt cruisers were “junk vehicles” planted by security officials to incite violence or distract anarchists from reaching the G20 fence. But Queen said he was driving west on Queen St., trailing an organized protest march, when a wall of black suddenly descended on his cruiser.
It was the Black Bloc, a group of darkly dressed anarchists that splintered from the main march at Queen St. W. and Spadina Ave. and were rushing toward the financial district.
Queen said his attackers started wordlessly banging on his car windows and jumping on the roof before quickly moving on.
Fellow officers came to his aid but were surrounded once more by protesters. Queen said he was struck by a pole. “I was hit in the back of the head,” he said.
Queen’s supervisor told him not to get back in the car due to the shattered glass and he removed some equipment while waiting for a tactical team. Because of the increasing violence and evolving chaos, he was forced to abandon his cruiser at 415 Queen St. W. in front of Steve’s Music Store.
Queen said he later learned his car had been burned while watching the news ….
Try to do the right thing, and whaddya get?
Sid Ryan, the union activist who worried about police “agents provocateurs” instigating violence, had this to say in the Toronto Star:
…. Rally organizers, including the Ontario Federation of Labour, worked diligently to ensure that our democratic right to lawful assembly would be respected, and that citizens could participate in a safe and peaceful event.
To this end, we liaised with the Toronto Police and cooperated at every turn. On the day, hundreds of volunteer marshals facilitated what was an extraordinarily successful event, given the tension that had pervaded the city in the days before.
Shamefully, a small number of hooligans used the cloak of our peaceful and lawful demonstration to commit petty acts of vandalism in the streets of Toronto. These actions were as deplorable and inexcusable as they were violent and self-serving ….
How is he perceived among some of the anti-capitalist hard-core?
Sid Ryan refers to activists as “hooligans”, states his Labour / NGO rally collaborated with police
Yeah, THIS Gets the Message Out There
On this video of an impromptu almost-lap-dance in front of police:
If there is any consolation to be had, at least we can sleep easier knowing that the torture endured by the officers in the video above was worth it, since it helped the protesters get out their important messages in a valuable, productive manner that is bound to win support from from everyone who sees it.
I couldn’t have put it better myself.
To Those Saying the Police Didn’t Do Their Job….
…. some don’t see it that way:
There you have it – evidence from a self-proclaimed activist that it WASN’T agents provocateurs, right?
For more from all sides,
check out the page o’ links here.
G8/G20 Security Highlights, 26 Jun 10
Bracing for Bigger Crowds
This from the Canadian Press:
…. Call the nearly 3,000 people who marched, many angrily, on Toronto’s streets on Friday an appetizer. Organizers of today’s demonstration are hoping to draw a crowd of 10,000.
It’s been advertised for weeks as the biggest planned protest of the summit.
The fact that the world’s most powerful leaders arrive in the city today after first meeting in Huntsville, Ont., could whet some anarchist appetites.
A forecast of rain, however, could dampen spirits.
As for the temperament of the crowd, today’s protest at the provincial legislature is being spearheaded by labour groups that intend to keep it peaceful.
But after Friday’s angry clashes, which sprung from a march with peaceful intentions, the few hardy souls who stayed in the city might have good reason to flee ….
We’ll see.
More on IT Techie, Spouse Arrests
This from the Globe & Mail:
…. Friends say Byron Sonne talked about obtaining the “chemical precursors” to explosives “in an attempt to purposefully raise flags and get ‘the man’ to take a look at me… but no luck,” as he wrote on an online forum for HackLab T.O. last fall. It would seem “the man” looked ….
More from the Globe:
…. In posts on a HackLab T.O forum as far back as last fall, he said he had “ordered all sorts of lab equipment and chemical precursors in an attempt to purposefully raise flags and get ‘the man’ to take a look at me… but no luck. Everything’s arrived with minimal delay, I’ve successfully passed several police and RCMP background checks for various licenses, crossed into the USA multiple times with zero hassle … so draw your own conclusions.” ….
IF this is true (and we won’t know for sure until the court process unfolds), this is the same as talking about a bomb while in line for security at the airport to see if people are listening. Be careful what you wish for.
Meanwhile, it appears folks are being asked to show up at Byron’s next court appearance today:
“How I was detained by G8 security”
This from Terry Pedwell of the Canadian Press on his encounter with G8 security:
…. “Excuse me, sir, can you open the trunk of your car?” one young officer asked as he motioned for me to pull over Thursday evening.
Alarm bells went off in my head as I was about to enter the “interdiction zone,” dreaded by the poor residents living near the site of Canada’s G8 summit. Living inside the zone has meant a five minute drive home from downtown Huntsville could easily take half an hour or more.
As a journalist assigned to cover the G8 in Huntsville, I had been here twice before on this sunny day, showing my identification and a letter issued to me that would allow me into the zone. Both times, no problems.
This time, however, the officer took exception to my Parliament Hill badge, which I wear every day while covering politics in Ottawa and which clearly identifies me as a reporter.
After weaving my way through the s-shaped zig-zag checkpoint area, I pulled over to an area reserved only for those who might soon be ejected.
Before I opened the trunk of my car, there were two officers scanning my vehicle from the outside.
Once the lid was opened, and the contents of the trunk revealed, uniformed police seemed to come out of every corner.
Two more police officers. Then four more. Three taking notes. Then another.
Two more still began to rifle their way through the entire car, looking curiously at my half-eaten bagel and the bottle of wine I bought as a thank you gesture to my friend and Huntsville resident for letting me stay at his place for a couple of nights.
While one stood guard over me, presumably for my own safety, officers from the Ontario Provincial Police crime unit descended on the vehicle.
Then, the G8 security task force sent in their people. More uniforms took notes.
“Of course, we are very curious about why you are carrying body armour and a gas mask in your car,” said a female officer who asked not to be identified in the media. In fact, no one could be identified. For security reasons, of course …..
Spolier alert: they let him go.
I have to ask: Reporters/media outlets have to apply for accreditation to these things, right? So, as part of that process, should the security folks have been asking media at that point what they might be carrying (or political folks liaising with security types to do the same), or should media have pre-declared “health & safety rules dictate that our staff have body armour/gas masks”? I ask because I honestly don’t know.
Also, note to CP: whoever added this to end of the story ….
Terry Pedwell is a veteran reporter who has worked for The Canadian Press for more than 20 years. He is based in Ottawa and has reported from Afghanistan and covered many high-profile events around the world.
…. makes it sound quite “you haven’t heard of ME?” In my very limited dealings with Terry during another life some time ago, I think he would be pissed at the incident, but not this kind of pissed.
“C” is for Capitalism Cookie
This from the Canadian Press on one of the (sorta) protests going on Huntsville:
A lone protester in the middle of a huge field otherwise known as the G8 protest zone has staged what will likely go down as the most successful demonstration of the summits.
“More Cookies For Kids” was 22-month-old Tyler Spencer’s placard demand, and police gamely obliged Friday.
The Hunstville, Ont., boy’s parents, Jennifer and Steve Spencer, are excited to have the international summit in their town and wanted to go by the designated speech area and see the action.
“We found an empty field and a few cameras and some cops,” Jennifer Spencer said.
(….)
Tyler seemed more preoccupied with the mud in the field rather than the cookie protest placard his father made.
“I wanted, ‘Make Carebears, Not War,’ ” Jennifer Spencer said.
Not long after the toddler set up camp a provincial police officer acceded to his demands.
“He got his cookie so he’s happy,” his mom said. “No need for aggression.” ….
Awwwwwww…..
For more from all sides,
check out the page o’ links here.
G8/G20 Security Highlights, 25 Jun 10
IT Security Techie’s Partner Now Charged, Too
“A man and woman behind bars on charges related to G20 security are being described as a happy couple who’ve been together for several years.
Byron Sonne and his common-law wife, Kristen Peterson, are at the heart of an ongoing security investigation that culminated in their arrests this week, just days before the G20 summit opens in Toronto.
Sonne, 37, an Internet security expert, is charged with, among other things, possession of explosives, weapons dangerous, intimidating a justice system participant and mischief.
Peterson, also 37, is charged with possession of an explosive device and possession of weapon for dangerous purpose.
In court Thursday Peterson, who is tall and dark-haired, looked straight ahead as she walked to the back of the courtroom after it was decided her hearing would be adjourned.
The couple, who live in a large home in a tony Toronto neighbourhood, will both appear in court on Saturday for a bail hearing….”
A bit more in the Toronto Police Service news release here.
A Search, An Arrest, and Some Bloody Good Advice
This from the Canadian Press:
A city already on edge ahead of the G20 summit was given another jolt Thursday when police pulled over a suspicious car downtown and discovered a surprising cargo that included a crossbow.
The 53-year-old driver was immediately arrested, the area sealed off as officers wearing hazardous material “moon suits” checked suspicious liquid in the vehicle.
“We have a crossbow, there’s a chainsaw, baseball bat, sledge hammers,” said Const. Hugh Smith.
“There’s quite a various amount of items that, used by the wrong person at the wrong time, was enough that we made the arrest.” ….
More from Reuters, the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Meanwhile, on the same incident, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair has some pretty good advice, via CBC.ca:
“Quite clearly if an individual comes down into the area … and is carrying things that could be used as a weapon, that matter’s going to be investigated by the police, and those items can be removed from that individual in the interests of maintaining a safe environment for everybody …. It will undoubtedly draw the attention of the authorities …. If you don’t want that attention, don’t bring weapons into the area.”
Too easy, right?
Protest Movement Not Happy with Media Coverage
Some highlights from an interesting piece on how the mainstream media are causing people to grossly misunderstand the protesters and what they stand for.
…. Standard fare coverage seems to include a mandatory reference to “violence” “anarchists” and “protesters”, which are apparently considered equivalent. I have found the confusion over the goals and purpose of those challenging the legitimacy of the G8/20, those thousands of regular folks lumped in to the uninformative category of “protester,” to be widespread. Since when did exercising our democratic rights to free speech, including political dissent, to freedom of association and freedom of assembly automatically translate into a threat, a radical anarchist? ….
Just a reminder: “political dissent” and “exercising … rights to free speech” are NOT a threat. Physical violence against people and damage to property are the threat. Oh, wait, I apparently don’t know what I mean when I say I oppose violence in such protests:
…. Typically, the corporate media are referring to “property damage” when they discuss the behaviour of activists in massive street demonstrations, at least in the North American context. The tens of thousands who demonstrated against Free Trade Area of the Americas Summit in Quebec City in 2001 were “non-violent.” A small handful of participants in the action – maybe Black Bloc anarchists, maybe fringe elements with no affiliation with global justice activism, vandalized corporate property, and engaged in a street fight with police, responding to their aggressive advances by creating barricades with street “furniture,” returning tear gas canisters and throwing rocks and molotov cocktails at police lines. This is in *no way* characteristic of the global justice movement, nor of its core values or tactics… That some in the movement won’t condemn property does not negate the movement’s legitimacy …. I also don’t know any dedicated community organizers who are “quite content” when others throw bricks or engage in more extreme tactics. Activists tend to respect a diversity of tactics because we don’t tell people what to do. That’s the job of law enforcement, and pseudo-democratic states. Activists don’t need the press. And certainly, not the press that misrepresents their objectives and intentions, and ignores the issues that motivate their activism ….
On the contrary, NOT doing anything about individuals in the collective throwing molotov cocktails DOES “negate the movement’s legitimacy”. Then there’s the “greater crime” argument:
…. The refusal of groups like the Toronto Community Mobilization Network to condemn property damage (often confused with “violence”). There is rarely an examination or understanding of the daily violence that millions of people around the world live under, violence in the form of poverty and starvation, displacement and environmental devastation ….
If anti-globalists truly believe this, especially those against the fight in Afghanistan, I look forward to their “examination of the daily violence” the people living under the Taliban go through – after all, 7 out of 10 civilian casualties in Afghanistan are caused by the Taliban.
For more from all sides,
check out the page o’ links here.
G8/G20 Security Highlights, 24 Jun 10
Techie Arrest This (via Milnet.ca) from a Toronto Police Service news release:
On Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at approximately 2 p.m., as a result of an ongoing investigation, Toronto Police Service officers executed a search warrant at 58 Elderwood Drive, in the Bathurst and Lawrence area of Toronto. Byron Sonne, 37, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with: 1) Intimidation of Justice System Participant by Threat 2) Intimidation of Justice System Participant by Watch and Beset 3) Mischief interfere with property 4) Attempt mischief 5) Possess explosive for unlawful purpose 6) Weapons dangerous. (….)
And just who IS Byron Sonne? The Toronto Star has pulled together some interesting information – he appears to be an IT security consultant who may not have been happy with the amount of money being spent on security for the Summit Season. CBC techie correspondent Jesse Hirsch says he heard Sonne say he “was trying to trigger alerts by buying innocuous items” as well as “monitor police & share via twitter”. One opinion, from a former employer:
None of the posts (via Twitter) made threats or suggested potential for harm. His talk is innocuous. And this all looks like a very large over-reaction from a police service that felt somewhat embarrassed that someone was publicly calling them out on their failure to encrypt their communications and poor placement of security cameras.
Here’s some of Sonne’s posts from his Twitter account over the past while:
don’t forget design flaw in most G20 fence: holes are small enough to thread big bolts in for extra leverage and grip #g20report these would be handy for scaling G20 fences; the ones I have at home would fit the smaller grid fence http://tinyurl.com/36hs6vp #g20report New videos of G20 Fence line finished uploading http://www.youtube.com/user/torontogoat these ones got me some police trouble #g20report
You be the judge. Sonne’s bail hearing reportedly continues Saturday.
Why They Won’t Denounce Violence
Globe & Mail columnist Marcus Gee nails it:
…. The fact is that activists find the violent fringe useful. Violence draws television cameras – if it bleeds, it leads – and cameras draw attention to the struggle. Activist leaders may not throw bricks themselves, but many will be quite content if others do. And when it happens, you can be sure they will blame the violence entirely on the police. To sock the copper and cry police brutality when he hits back is the oldest trick in the book. Activists are already calling the fence and the massed police a “provocation” – in other words, a green light for brick tossing ….
Sound Cannon Legal Fight Begins
A decision on whether so-called sound cannons can be legally used against G20 protesters will come Friday. An Ontario judge is hearing arguments today from two civil rights groups that want an injunction preventing their use. Lawyer Paul Cavalluzzo says Toronto residents should not be used as “guinea pigs” to see whether the sound cannons are safe. Cavalluzzo says the devices have the potential to permanently damage hearing ….
What Next – Locusts? First, there was the earthquake felt in Toronto. Now, a tornado not all that far from Huntsville:
A funnel cloud apparently touched down in Midland, Ont., tonight, damaging many town businesses including a trailer park. ‘‘If you saw the movie Twister, that’s pretty much what happened,” said Alisdair MacLean, the business manager of Midland Toyota on the town’s main thoroughfare, King Street ….
What DIDN’T Cause the Earthquake
Twitter smartass @G20Security is trying to reassure us regarding alternative theories of the earthquake that rattled Toronto and Ottawa Wednesday. His mythbusters:
Rumours are FALSE that Canada’s #G20 gift to Obama is a “tectonic plate”. No further rumours, or #fakequake, will be entertained.
Rumours are FALSE that “the quake was felt even by Scrooge, The Grinch, and the Prime Minister”
Rumours are FALSE that the “world’s most powerful vibrating dildo” is part of #G20 entertainment expense. You people are sick.
Rumours are FALSE that “Canada’s pension system is on shaky ground.”
Rumours are FALSE that it was “unstoppable rumbling of protester dissent”. This is a particularly cheesy and unimaginative rumour
Rumours are FALSE that it was a “vuvuzela attack”
Rumours are FALSE that it was “The HST impacting consumers”. This rumour is particularly esoteric and unhelpful
Rumours are FALSE that “Quebec is trying to separate”
Rumours are FALSE that a tsunami warning has been issued for G20 Lake.
I feel better already.
For more from all sides,
check out the page o’ links here.
G8/G20 Security Highlights, 22 Jun 10
It Really Doesn’t Get Clearer than This on Cops Using “Agent Provocateurs”
None of the (Integrated Security Unit) partners use so-called “agents provocateurs” – personnel intended to infiltrate and provoke action on the part of protestors or other organizations. In fact, the role of the police is to de-escalate tensions and preserve the peace.
Any protest organizers willing to be that clear about NOT using or condoning violence?
The message, via Twitter:
The police brutality in TO begins ….
Just saw police harass activists. Steal flag poles
Check this video to see the exchange, and how reasonable and open to discussion the protesters are.
Good question:
Why take to the pavements of Toronto against:
Brazil
China
India
Indonesia
Mexico
South Africa?
Road Trip!
The Vancouver Peoples’ Summit is sending a busload of protesters to Ontario to take part in G8 and G20 demonstrations next week. The 15-person bus with the words, “The Peoples’ Vision” painted on the side will arrive in Toronto on Thursday. Ries Memtink said he’s getting on the bus because the government isn’t listening to the concerns of Canadians about climate change, poverty, human rights and other issues. “People are concerned. And especially right now in Canada we have a democracy that’s not totally functioning,” he said. Memtink plans to keep his protests peaceful, and while some activists may be violent, he said he doesn’t understand why the government would waste so many millions of dollars on security …. “There’s no burning bras or picket signs or loud hailers or nobody’s throwing rocks around here,” (Vancouver Peoples’ Summit organizer Hunter) Moyes said. “We’re trying alternative tactics, in fact one of the subjects at my climate change table today is how do the tactics of activism have to change.” ….
I’ll believe that when I see it.
The Fun Begins!
Hundreds of noisy G20 demonstrators shut down traffic in downtown Toronto on Monday protesting the heavy police presence in the city. With the gathering of world leaders just days away, anti-poverty activists and others rallied at Allan Gardens. Chanting slogans such as “Whose streets? Our streets!” and “Justice now!” the demonstrators — some masked, others wearing T-shirts with slogans or carrying banners — marched through the streets. They blocked intersections, briefly occupied an Esso gas station then walked past the Eaton Centre …. One protester was arrested. The demonstrators plan to stage another march during Tuesday afternoon’s rush hour ….
On the arrest, if you believe Twitter:
Jail support for indigenous sovereignty activist arrested at today’s (Monday’s) demo. All night at Eastern Ave. and Pape Street ….
Counsel for Ottawa Firebomb Suspects Not Happy
A lawyer for one of the men accused of firebombing an Ottawa bank is taking the federal government to task for commenting on the charges. Lawrence Greenspon said Monday it’s not right for public figures to talk about a case before the courts, noting a presumption of innocence is “a fundamental pillar of our criminal justice system.” “And I think it’s at the very least inappropriate to have public figures commenting on the nature of charges once those charges have been laid,” said Greenspon, who represents 58-year-old Ottawa resident Roger Clement. Public Safety Minister Vic Toews issued a statement Saturday applauding police shortly after they held a rare Saturday morning news conference to announce charges against Clement and two other Ottawa men ….
“I commend the outstanding cooperation between law enforcement agencies that led to these arrests. The dedication and tireless work of police has once again succeeded in making our communities safer …. We will follow this case with interest.”
Protest Theme o’ the Day for Tuesday?
Calling all: queers, homos, transfolk, gender benders and blenders, fierce femmes, leather daddies and mamas, poets, voguers, artists, brazen butches, freaks, riot grrrls and bois, MCs, porn stars, singers, dancers and ruckus causers! Organizers of tomorrow’s day of action for queer rights have released a call to action against the G8/G20 Summits in Toronto. June 22, 2010 Day of Action: “Bring your bedazzled balaclavas and colourful masks if you want, along with something hot pink (extra armbands will be available), signs, banners, noisemakers, instruments!” Meet: 4:30 pm @ Queen Street and Yonge Street …. I sure damn hope that the Roving Kiss-In Action will still go down; I’ve noticed it’s been taken off the Toronto Community Mobilization Network’s calendar …. Please Note: Do not attempt to kiss a police officer. While everyone might be enchanted by how great the event is, touching a cop anywhere on their body with anywhere on your body could lead to an assault charge ….
For more from all sides,
check out the page o’ links here.
G8/G20 Security Highlights, 21 Jun 10
A bit more information is coming out about the men charged with the Ottawa bank firebombing, via the Ottawa Citizen:
…. Police arrested Claude Frederic Haridge, 50, on his way to work near Hunt Club Road Friday. Haridge, an engineer, has been building circuit boards since he was 14, when he used to salvage parts from the garbage and cart them home in a little wagon …. Haridge, described as a friendly neighbour, is a former student of ex-University of Ottawa physics professor Denis Rancourt who taught a controversial course on activism before he was let go by the university. In 2007, the university de-registered twin 10-year-old boys who had enrolled in Rancourt’s Science in Society class. Haridge, a fellow student, rose to the defence of the twin boys. He wrote letters to the school in support of his young classmates. Haridge has also sent letters to newspapers critical of government. And he has demonstrated against Israeli attacks on Palestinians ….
Roger Clement, 58, was also arrested and faces arson charges. Clement is a retired public servant, whose last job was at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) …. The Citizen tracked down and met with Clement on May 26. The late-night meeting took place on Bank Street and Clement arrived with an entourage, which included a third firebombing suspect, Matthew Morgan Brown, the youngest of the trio, and believed to be in his early 30s. Morgan Brown is a well-known activist. He has been arrested during prior protests at the 2007 Montebello Summit and during a 2004 visit to Ottawa by former U.S. president George W. Bush …. Until the retired public servant was arrested, he spent some of his free time at a coffee shop in Chinatown, considered a meeting place for Ottawa’s anti-establishment network, which protests big business, world government summits, and cuts to welfare ….
On a related note, a bit of alleged “solidarity action” in Montreal (PDF of post and comments at Scribd.com here) to show support for the three arrested in Ottawa (highlights mine):
Yesterday morning (Friday) the police arrested 3 people in Ottawa, saying that they are our dear ones, the FFFC. Yesterday evening, we broke windows and wrote our solidarity on the wall of the RBC on Sherbrooke, corner Victoria. Innocent or guilty, we are in solidarity with the arresteds. Fuck the banks. Fuck the police. Fuck the prisons. No repression without response. Solidarity means attack.
-The Support Committee – Night Tendency
[Keep it simple my friends...]Hier matin la police a arrêté 3 gens à Ottawa, disant qu’ils sonts nos chéris, le FFFC. Hier soir, on a cassé des vitres et écrit notre solidarité sur le mur du RBC sur Sherbrooke, coin Victoria. Innocents ou coupables, on est solidaire avec les arrêtés. Fuck les banques. Fuck la police. Fuck les prisons. Aucun répression sans réponse. La solidarité, ca va dire l’attaque.
Hmm, can’t see why things like the highlighted bits would worry anyone – just peaceful protest, right?
Some security guards nervous? (Highlights mine)
…. Tear gas, rocks and eggs filled with urine are only some of the safety risks guards take if they go into work next weekend. Sunil Ram, CEO Executive Security Services International – a private firm working both summits, has spoken with security guards who have voiced uncertainties. He said some have scheduled their vacation time during the summit, while others might call in sick. “They just don’t want nothin’ to do with it. It’s just going to be too volatile of a situation, very unpredictable,” he said. “They don’t want any part of it because of the unknown factors. So, they just want to stay home.” ….
What appears to be a new (first Tweet available posted Saturday), pretty active Twitter feed from @FortressToronto is sharing pretty detailed information:
Speaking on the Sunday news shows, Canada’s Treasury Board President Stockwell Day puts it into perspective:
“I think it shows the unfortunate power that a small group of thugs has,” Day told CTV’s Question Period on Sunday. “And when I’m talking about thugs I’m talking about thugs, I’m talking about the anarchists and the violent groups who have already indicated that they’re going to be there and they’re going to cause trouble.”
For more from all sides,
check out the page o’ links here.
G8/G20 Security Highlights, 20 Jun 10
Rabble.ca has posted this assessment of who’s going to be protesting:
So here I was sitting in the newly opened convergence space hosted by the Toronto Community Mobilization Network at 1266 Queen Street West (Toronto) and we’re all drinking tap water and listening to some great tunes and I’m thinking: yup, look at us scary anarchists doing scary things like spoken word performances, serving food to each other and napping quietly in the corner.
Yes, polite society should be very afraid! Here come the Berserkers tearing young saplings from the ground and whipping them at the police …..
In fact, we are so scary that the United States has issued a travel advisory for next weekend stating, “even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. You should avoid them if at all possible.”
I mean, according to the police – who of course will all be wearing their kid gloves during the demonstrations and cannot be blamed if police riots break out; hmmmm….I mean, wait a minute…. aren’t they called POLICE riots and not PEOPLE riots for a reason? ….
Further reinforcement of the “it’s not our fault if there’s violence” message?
Some of the initial media coverage of the Ottawa Police Service arrest and charging of three men in connection with the RBC bank firebombing in Ottawa is starting to use the “T” word:
…. “Their actions do speak for themselves and their willingness to post it publicly is alarming as well,” said Ottawa Police Chief Vern White at a news conference on Saturday morning. White also continued labelling the incident as an act of domestic terrorism, and said he was “confident” the Crown may still end up with terrorism charges. RCMP assistant commissioner Francois Bidal appeared to suggest more charges were still possible. “We will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the evidence we have before us now,” he said. But Lawrence Greenspon, the lawyer representing Clement, criticized those remarks. “Pre-trial comments that attempt to characterize offences are not helpful to the administration of justice,” he said. “There’s no talk of terrorism by anybody except our Chief of Police,” Greenspon said, adding that the charges laid so far relate strictly to property damage …. (CTV.ca)
…. Police say the investigation continues and are determining whether they can lay charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The law has been used only a handful of times since Parliament passed it in 2001. Terrorism charges can only be laid with the consent of the federal Attorney General, and police wouldn’t say whether they’ve initiated conversations to this end …. (Globe & Mail)
…. Asked whether he continued to consider the act domestic terrorism, White said: “I do stand by that label.” But he added that determination is the investigative responsibility of the RCMP …. (Canadian Press)
…. In the past, Chief White has characterized the firebombing as domestic terrorism, and he stood by that description Saturday. But he said no terrorism charges have been laid so far, and it will be up to the RCMP to decide whether they should be …. (CBC.ca)
All are to be considered innocent until proven guilty in our system, and I’m happy to let the police and courts do their thing. Here’s how the Criminal Code of Canada defines “terrorism”, and here’s my quick-and-dirty assessment of the law in light of events we read/hear at Army.ca.
I await with interest how the legal process unfolds.
For more from all sides, check out the page o’ links here.
G8/G20 Security Highlights, 19 Jun 10
Suspects arrested, charged with RBC bank machine firebombing last month – this, from the Ottawa Police Service:
…. three men have been charged as follows:
Roger Clement 58 years old, of Ottawa
RBC Arson – 18th of May 2010
Arson Causing Damage
Possession of incendiary material
Use explosives with intent to cause property damage
Mischief(….)
Matthew Morgan – Brown 32 years old, of Ottawa
RBC Arson – 18th of May 2010
Arson Causing Damage
Possession of incendiary material
Use explosives with intent to cause property damage
MischiefClaude Haridge, 50 years old, of Ottawa
RBC Arson – 18th of May 2010
Careless storage / handling of ammunition
Fail to comply with undertaking ….
They’re all back in court later this month – more from the Canadian Press and here at the National Post.
It’s “Protest School” in Toronto – this from CTV.ca, emphasis mine:
A counter-summit in Toronto meant to challenge the G8 and G20 was dubbed “protest school” by organizers on Friday, as they shied away from denouncing violent action by demonstrators …. “People protest in various ways. Again, we’re simply organizing a conference,” said Dylan Penner, a committee member at the summit and media officer for the Council of Canadians …. While classes such as “direct action training” and “digitally mediated surveillance: rights and resistance” are on the agenda, the committee said the event is meant to be a peaceful weekend of learning …. (Marya Folinsbee, the co-ordinator of the People’s Summit) was a…. quick to point out that many of the workshops encouraged peaceful protest, such as “communication skills for activists,” which teaches protesters “how to de-escalate an angry movement.” But there are also workshops planned for debating and discussing a “diversity of tactics” during the G20 and G8 summits …. “It is really cloudy, and it is really complicated to work in solidarity with each other when these issues are still on the table,” she added ….
So, condemning violence and vandalism is “cloudy” is it? Interestingly, the organizers of the protests have gone as far as developing a policy for dealing with those who want to fight the man, but may have been accused or convicted of sexual assault – one line stands out for me:
Perpetrators of Sexual Assault, Abuse and Harassment are not welcome in G8 & G20 Resistance Spaces!!!
I’d be happy to hear from anyone who can explain why such people “are not welcome” in the crowd, but those who would commit violence and/or vandalism are. Simple question.
Part of the CTV.ca article above mentions one of the message tracks being transmitted by protest organizers:
(Marya Folinsbee, the co-ordinator of the People’s Summit) accused “the state” of being the real perpetrator of violence, as she deflected questions about whether or not organizers of the counter-summit would hold protesters accountable during the G20 …. Penner said protesters have been demonized, and fear-mongering has made the public nervous about violence during the G8 and G20. The committee for the People’s Summit also suggested violence in past summits has not come from protesters, but from agent provocateurs. “The state is, in fact, doing criminal activity if they don’t rule out agents provocateurs,” said Christine Jones, co-chair of the Canadian Peace Alliance as she spoke at the news conference Friday ….
This is a message stream making its way out in a variety of ways recently – even picked up from the same news conference and shared by CBC.ca (note the same “money clip” from Christine Jones)
Activists and labour organizations are calling for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to rule out the use of agents provocateurs during the G8 and G20 summits. Pointing to the 2007 Montebello summit of North American leaders, where Quebec police admitted that three of their officers disguised themselves as demonstrators during protests, the People’s Summit urged officials to prohibit any attempt to incite violence to justify what they dubbed a “billion-dollar boondoggle.” Quebec police denied allegations they used the officers to instigate violence at Montebello. “The state is, in fact, doing criminal activity if they don’t rule out agents provocateurs,” Christine Jones, co-chair of the Canadian Peace Alliance, said at the launch of the People’s Summit on Friday morning ….
The message gained a bit of traction this week when Syd Ryan, representing the Ontario Federation of Labour, said the same thing..
Are they planting seeds out there so that if/when violence occurs, it’ll already be embedded in people’s minds that it must be the cops’ fault?
QMI/Sun Media has this quick guide to the protest groups and what they seek.
A new spot to check out what other-than-mainstream “media” are sharing about the Summit protests, here at 2010.mediacoop.ca. Apparently, any Flickr photo or Twitter post tagged with #g20report will automatically end up posted there. I’ve added it to my list o’ “news of all kinds” links here.
G8/G20 Security Highlights, 18 Jun 10
What’s a protest HQ look like?
G20 protesters will have comfy couches, a kitchen, mellow music and even a barbecue after a long day of hoisting signs and pounding pavements.
After months of summit officials publicizing Toronto’s plans, demonstrators unveiled some of their own Thursday.
Community activists showed off a dark basement on Queen Street West in Toronto, which will be a headquarters-of-sorts for weary protesters looking for some reprieve ….
The U.S. Department of State has this warning in a new travel alert issued in connection with the G8/G20 summits:
…. The G-20 Summit, which heads of state and government will attend, will take place June 26-27, 2010, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto. Previous G-20 summits have drawn large numbers of protesters and activists, and a number of groups have announced plans to demonstrate throughout downtown Toronto. Protesters are expected to gather in Toronto in the days leading up to the Summit and access to parts of the downtown area will be restricted due to security requirements. Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable. You should avoid them if at all possible. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media has to say ….
A bit of union back-and-forth – on the one hand:
…. Sid Ryan, president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, said he’s concerned police may slip agent provocateurs into anti-summit demonstrations to incite unrest and violence. He was visibly upset that the banner promoting the rally was ordered removed by police. “I have seen it happen before,” Ryan said. “It is not beyond police to create an incident using agent provocateurs.” He said the technique has been used by cops against protesters during rallies in Vancouver. Ryan claims police may pick fights with protesters to help justify their share of a $1.3-billion security budget …
and on the other (PDF):
The country’s largest municipal police union is calling for Sid Ryan, president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, to resign for remarks that the police are planning to deliberately incite violence during the coming G20 summit. “His comments reported in the media are idiotic, irresponsible and inflammatory against the Toronto police,” said Mike McCormack, head of the 8,300 member union. “He should resign for defaming the police.” …. “It’s obviously a cheap attempt at publicity. He should be writing fiction because obviously he isn’t dealing with reality. At the very least he should apologize to Toronto’s finest for his groundless attack.” ….
Speaking of cops, some not-very-nice comments about police from the Southern Ontario Anarchist Resistance (SOAR):
…. They tell us they know where we live, that they’re going to arrest us all, that they’re going to explode our ear drums and torture us with tazers and chemicals. And – because they’re cruel, sadistic fucks – we know they may well do that. And so we get scared. Intimidation is the only thing that makes policing possible, especially at an event as chaotic as the G20. We at SOAR believe that the most powerful use of the new and famous sound cannons is the waves they’re making in the social and environmental justice movements. The cops and politicians hope that if they threaten and harass us enough, that we’ll all just stay home and shut up ….
Tsk, tsk, tsk – more on these brave folks with the anonymous posts and covered faces in public. And finally, some poster woes, in Toronto:
Some Toronto labour leaders were upset after police forced them to remove a banner that was attached to a 10-foot security fence for the G20. Dozens of Toronto cops already have taken over a section of the downtown and are manning a 3.3-km fence that rings the Rogers Centre and Metro Convention Centre. The public will have limited access to the area because of the G20 summit June 26-27 ….
and as far away as London, Ontario:
Darius Mirshahi, 25, and Andrew Cadotte, 19, flashed a peace sign and stood on the courthouse steps moments after their releases Wednesday afternoon and ripped open the police-issued, clear plastic bags containing their personal effects …. Mirshahi, a founder of the Fanshawe College social justice club and Cadotte, who raises money for the Red Cross, Greenpeace and Amnesty International, are accused of gluing protest posters on government-owned mailboxes and hydro boxes. They’re each charged with seven counts of mischief …. In court, assistant Crown attorney Michael Thompson outlined what led to their arrests: The men, neither of whom has a criminal record, were seen by officers with a box of papers and a jug of paste and putting up posters that had slogans such as “Disrupt G20″, “Let’s Crash it” and “Crisis is Business as Usual.” ….
For more from all sides, check out the page o’ links here.
Interested in Keeping Track of Possible 2010 G8/G20 Protests?
1) News and updates are being posted here at MILNET.ca.
2) A page of links I’ve pulled together here – feel free to drop me a line or comment below if there are other links with information.
Enjoy!
