Toronto police are not expecting any explosions, but have warned protesters that they will not hesitate to enforce the law if they become violent. He warned specifically that hate speech would not be allowed.
Initially, the police chief, James Ramer, wanted to be reassured: he didn’t expect any work in the city center like we saw in February in Ottawa.
No venue in the metropolitan area will be closed to the public for the occasion, but surveillance will be strengthened.
For example, Toronto City Hall plaza and the legislative precinct will be accessible, but streets will be closed to facilitate the movement of protesters.
Police expect large turnouts in terms of people and vehicles, but do not believe the protests will last after Sunday night. He also expects a bit of inconvenience.
However, it cannot measure the crowd in advance. Expect 14 groups, some will be small, others will number several hundred peopleexplained Chef Ramer.
The anti-Israeli group al-Quds is one of 14 associations in question.
Police are asking for the patience and cooperation of the Torontonians. We accept that everyone is showing peace, but we will not hesitate to arrest those who will do wrong.continued Chef Ramer.
Chief James Ramer is committed to fighting crime, but also hates speech against any community in society. We respect freedom of expression, it is stated in the charter, but it has limitationsHe added.
Special attention to hostility
The police hate crimes unit will also be on duty throughout the weekend to keep an eye on things.
James Ramer pointed out that his service is aware of the concerns of some citizens. We have already received complaintshe emphasizes without defining nature and does not attack particular groups.
He makes sure agents are present on various routes reserved for demonstrators and in crowds to take notes and photos of anyone who will make threats against others.
No intimidation, no hate speech will be allowedhe insisted, being concerned that all these demonstrations should maintain a legal and peaceful character.
He also pointed out that multilingual agents were present to talk to demonstrators from ethnocultural communities, but to understand what was being said at these demonstrations.
Chief Ramer finally asked the Torontonians to do their business as normal, not to worry, but to remain vigilant.
In a statement, Mayor John Tory said the police’s duty is to maintain law and order on the city’s streets and facilitate the movement of protesters.
He also said he was worried about the resurgence of hate activities in the metropolitan area. We cannot accept any expression of discrimination, racist speech, or incitement to violence that is detrimental to public safety.he wrote.
Mr Tory said he hoped the protests would go smoothly and be free of violence.
Source: Radio-Canada