Two cops injured in Olympic riot in Vancouver
Demonstrators clashed with police outside the B.C. Place Stadium while ceremonies continued inside. Photo by Craig McCulloch.
By Salim Jiwa
VANCOUVER – Demonstrations turned violent after an estimated 1,500 protesters hurled barricades, sprayed cops in the face with vinegar, flung sticks at police and spit on officers trying to hold them back.
Two police officers were injured in the melee and were taken to hospital. One demonstrator was injured. (New: Cops blame anarchist group.)
“A crowd estimated at 1500 protesters left the Vancouver Art Gallery tonight and marched through the downtown core to Robson and Beatty Streets where they engaged police prior to, and during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games,” said Const. Jana McGuinness.
“Protesters intent on provoking police moved to the front of the line and began throwing traffic barricades around. Their tactics then escalated as they sprayed vinegar in officers’ eyes, threw sticks, and spit on members,” said the Vancouver Police spokesman.
“Officers on the front line maintained restraint and despite several surges from the crowd, the line held steady. After nearly two hours the crowd dissipated,” she said about the violent demo during the opening ceremony and while it was in progress.
“Two officers were injured with flying objects and one was sent to hospital with a shoulder injury but was treated and released. No protesters were injured,”
One man was charged with assault.
“It is unfortunate that some members among the protestors felt that it was necessary to pummel police with everything from sharp sticks to paint balloons,” she said.
The Vancouver Police Department respects the rights of those who wish to protest, she added.
“While traditionally protestors and police have been painted in adversarial roles, in Vancouver there is a tradition of cooperation and negotiation,” she said.
“Today’s arrest was conducted because the right to protest doesn’t include the right to commit criminal acts that place the public’s safety at risk or compromise the public’s right to freely enjoy the Olympics,” she added.
The VPD will continue to cooperate and facilitate legal and peaceful protests and will also continue to keep the peace and safeguard the public, she added.
Vancouver cops were assisted by other security forces.
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Posted by News Editor
on Feb 12 2010. Filed under Featured.
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What could possibly justify a ‘riot’? I just heard that they have resumed the ‘protest’ this morning by smashing windows of The Bay in downtown Vancouver… what does this accomplish? If it’s to bring attention to some social issue or concern, I doubt this is the most productive way of doing so. I think it’s more likely their morons using the Olympics as an excuse to act like fools and break the law…
It is not the legitimate protest groups that cause concern but there is a violent anarchist group that is involved and this group stops at nothing. Legitimate protest groups are being hijacked by these people and you will find them wearing black or wearing masks. But they don’t all come in uniforms either.
Riot? All I saw was a bunch of self righteous stoners trundle along is a cloud of smoke blocking vetrans ceremonies and forcing disabled attendees to the ceremonies have to walk signifigant distancers. Selfish and pathetic.
This was the release from Const. McGuinness:
“A crowd estimated at 1500 protesters left the Vancouver Art Gallery tonight and marched through the downtown core to Robson and Beatty Streets where they engaged police prior to, and during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Games.
Protesters intent on provoking police moved to the front of the line and began throwing traffic barricades around. Their tactics then escalated as they sprayed vinegar in officers’ eyes, threw sticks, and spit on members.
Officers on the front line maintained restraint and despite several surges from the crowd, the line held steady. After nearly two hours the crowd dissipated.
Two officers were injured with flying objects and one was sent to hospital with a shoulder injury but was treated and released. No protesters were injured.
One man was taken into custody and is facing a charge of assault.
It is unfortunate that some members among the protestors felt that it was necessary to pummel police with everything from sharp sticks to paint balloons.”
What were they protesting? The games specifically?