OTTAWA: Police aggressively pushed back protesters in Canada’s besieged capital on Saturday, towing away trucks, arresting dozens of protesters and finally retaking control of the streets in front of the country’s parliament buildings.

Scores of trucks left under the increasing pressure, raising authorities hopes for an end to the three-week protest against the country’s Covid-19 restrictions and the government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The street in front of Parliament Hill, the collection of government offices that includes the parliament buildings, was the heart of the protests. It had been occupied by protesters and their trucks since late last month, turning into a carnival on weekends. They are trying to push us all away, said one protester, Jeremy Glass of Shelburne, Ontario, as authorities forced the crowds to move further from the parliament buildings. The main camp is seized now. Were no longer in possession of it.

Canadian authorities also announced they had used emergency powers to seize 76 bank accounts connected to protesters, totaling roughly $3.2 million ($2.5 million US).

On Saturday, they also closed a bridge into the nations capital from Quebec to prevent a renewed influx of protesters. Police said protesters remained aggressive, and pepper spray had been used to protect officers.

Around midday, protest organizers said they had ordered truckers to move away from Parliament Hill, decrying the police’s actions as abuses of power.

To move the trucks will require time, organisers said in a statement. We hope that (police) will show judicious restraint.” Earlier, Ottawa police addressed the protesters in a tweet: We told you to leave. We gave you time to leave. We were slow and methodical, yet you were assaultive and aggressive with officers and the horses. Based on your behavior, we are responding by including helmets and batons for our safety.” Police said one protester launched a gas canister and was arrested as they advanced.

At least 47 people were arrested Saturday, police said. More than 100 were arrested Friday, mostly on mischief charges, and nearly two dozen vehicles had been towed, including all of those blocking one of the city’s major streets, authorities said. One officer had a minor injury, but no protesters were hurt, interim Ottawa Police Chief Steve Bell said.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2022