Trump praises anti vax protests in Canada

Protestors stand on a trailer carrying logs as truckers and supporters take part in a convoy to protest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine mandates for cross-border truck drivers in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, January 29, 2022. REUTERS/Patrick Doyle

After thousands descended to Canada's capital city on Saturday to protest Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and COVID-19 vaccination regulations, dozens of trucks and other vehicles blocked the downtown area of Ottawa for a second day.

On Sunday, a day before MPs are set to return to work following the Christmas vacation, trucks remained parked on the streets near parliament. Hundreds of protestors were out on the streets on Sunday. 

Some trucks have stated that they will refuse to leave unless the requirement is repealed.

Former US President Donald Trump commended Canadian protestors for "resisting heroically these unlawful requirements" during a rally in Texas on Saturday, indicating that the pandemic's politicization had expanded north of the border.

Thousands of people peacefully assembled in Ottawa on Saturday, and no arrests were made, however, police are investigating numerous instances.

"Several criminal investigations are ongoing," Ottawa police wrote on Twitter, citing "desecration of the National War Memorial" and "threatening/illegal/intimidating behavior to police/city personnel and other persons."

Flags with swastikas were visible in the throng, and one demonstrator was caught dancing on the war memorial - the tomb of the nameless soldier. Protesters refused to wear masks, causing a downtown mall to close.

During a TV interview, Michael Cooper, a Conservative legislator who served out coffee at the demonstration, was shown standing near a Canadian flag with a Swastika. On Twitter, he later issued a statement criticizing the "reprehensible" demonstrator.

General Wayne Eyre, Canada's top military, blasted a lady seen on camera dancing on the unnamed soldier's tomb, calling her "sickened."

On Saturday, the rally's official Facebook page stated, "We do not condone any rude behavior."

The rally began as a protest against a vaccination mandate for cross-border drivers but quickly evolved into a protest against the Trudeau government's anti-vaccination stance.

Trudeau and his family left their downtown Ottawa residence on Saturday due to security concerns. Trudeau claimed earlier last week that the convoy represented a "small fringe group" that did not represent Canadians' opinions.

Almost 79 percent of the population and 90 percent of cross-border truckers in Canada have had two COVID-19 vaccination injections. Canada is also experiencing a surge in Omicron variant cases, which is putting a strain on hospitals.

On Sunday, Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra ruled out any reversal of the mandates.

In an interview with the CanaBC, Alghabra stated, "Vaccines are our greatest method to defend ourselves and our economy against COVID-19." "Seeing the swastika flown anyplace is unacceptable," he continued.

The demonstration was sponsored by Canada's Conservative Party, which directed most of its rage in the form of placards and shouts against Trudeau. The event was attended by the right-wing People's Party of Canada, which has no members in parliament.

Publish : 2022-01-31 11:24:00

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