Canadian police arrest 70 including ringleader in Ottawa trucker protest

TRENTON, Canada

Authorities in Ottawa arrested at least 70 demonstrators including another ringleader Friday as the interim police chief vowed to continue clearing protesters from the downtown area of the Candian capital 24-hours-a-day. if necessary. 

Large numbers of police, some on horseback, began to move in on protesters in earnest, arresting one of the "Freedom Convoy" organizers, Pat King, in the middle of an intense clash with protesters.

"We will run this operation 24 hours a day until residents and community have their city back," said interim police chief Steve Bell.

The protesters and about 500 transport trucks moved into the downtown area three weeks ago and created chaos that paralyzed the city. They demanded an end to all health regulations dealing with the coronavirus, including wearing masks and mandated vaccinations for truckers. Then talk spread about overthrowing the government.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday the illegal blockade had to end and invoked the Emergencies Act which gave police extra powers. Bell said the move was necessary to get the job done.

"Without the authorities being provided to us from these various pieces of legislation, we wouldn't be able to do the work we're doing today," he said.

Police earlier arrested two other ringleaders, Christopher Barber and Tamara Lich.

Before entering police custody, King called for transport truckers to block tow trucks -- about 21 vehicles had already been towed from downtown Ottawa. King also vowed revenge against any tow truck company that co-operated with police, accusing drivers of committing "career suicide."

As police slowly moved to tighten the circle around protesters, some demonstrators linked arms and called out "freedom" and "hold the line."

Others shouted "traitor" and "you are working for a dictator," meaning Trudeau.

Some police are dressed in riot gear and carry tear-gas guns. But for the most part, the situation has remained relatively free of violence, a goal Bell was striving for.

"We want to end this unlawful protest peacefully and safely," he said.