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Police intervened at a student-led pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Calgary on Thursday.
According to the police, they were notified by the U of C security around 6:30am, on Thursday, that several protesters had begun setting up tents on the south lawn of MacEwan Hall. “The protestors were asked to leave and when they refused, were trespassed. Despite being trespassed, the protestors refused to leave and police have been called in for assistance”, said a CPS news release.
There were dozens of tents set up around the school and at the request of the University, the police public safety unit moved in. Police say the crowd was estimated to be around 150. “Police clearly communicated the consequences of staying and provided further opportunity to leave. Without compliance, police were required to move in to enforce the trespass order.”
The Public Safety Unit officers were able to encourage some protestors to leave the scene. However, some remained chanting “We shall not be moved.” Police said projectiles were thrown at officers and barricades had to be removed.
Police reportedly gave the protesters multiple opportunities to leave, and many did without further issue. Meanwhile, at around 11:15pm, police had to remove the remaining protesters from the park by “way of arrest.”
“Projectiles and assaultive behavior by the remaining protestors triggered the use of non-lethal munitions by officers”, said CPS. “No injuries have been reported.”
Police says the number of arrests, tickets and charges will made publicly available.
The protest was reportedly against the university’s ties to Israel. The protest organizers are asking the U of C to disclose all of its direct and indirect investments involving Israel.
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