OPP Are Swarming VIA Rail Blockades And Taking Down Protestors (VIDEOS)
The OPP have moved in on the VIA Rail blockade in Tyendinaga near Belleville, Ontario Monday morning and are reportedly attempting to clear the scene. There was an order for the tracks to be cleared by midnight, according to CTV News, but protestors remained in place. The blockades, which are on Mohawk territory, have been in place for about three weeks, since February 6.Now, it looks like the OPP is attempting to take down the blockades.
This comes a couple of days after Justin Trudeau ordered the barricades to come down due to failure to reach a resolution with Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs. Global News reports that "a number" of protestors were seen being taken away in handcuffs, although it is also reported that OPP has said no arrests have been made. The OPP released an official statement, which Newstalk 610 published."The OPP has a legal responsibility to enforce the injunction and began doing so this morning. The OPP has called upon all those involved to abide by the injunction and leave the area and to not put public peace or anyone's safety in jeopardy. "All people are being encouraged to leave the demonstration site peacefully. Enforcement of the injunction may include arrest of those who choose not to comply, however, use of force remains a last resort," the statement reads.
Video footage of the incident shows that some protestors remain unmoving on the scene.
One video showcases physical altercations that have reportedly been taking place between the police and protestors.
"Protestors at the second blockade have lit a fire, burning tires & wood," CTV Reporter Heather Wright tweeted.
The protests have led to VIA Rail train service across the country being cancelled and have forced the company to refund thousands of tickets. Nearly 1,500 VIA Rail employees have also been temporarily laid off, according to CTV News.
The protests have been going on in solidarity with Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs, who have not given consent for a pipeline from Coastal GasLink to be built on their territory.