By Jenna Zucker and Blair Gable
(Reuters) – Police in the Canadian capital, Ottawa, arrested several people on Friday after a march of hundreds of bikers, pedestrians and cars waving Canadian flags through downtown Ottawa turned unruly, according to the authorities.
Friday’s parade was a protest against an alleged government bidding war, and came less than three months after a movement of truckers paralyzed the capital for more than three weeks.
Ottawa police said in a tweet on Friday that several people had been arrested and officers remained at the scene to provide security.
Organizers of Friday’s convoy, which they call “Rolling Thunder Ottawa,” say they are there in support of “freedom” and military veterans. Local media say several of the attendees were in Ottawa for the previous protest, which opposed a vaccination mandate for cross-border truckers.
Several honking truckers and protesters standing atop vans and cars and shouting “freedom” marched through downtown Ottawa as police deployed additional officers to bring the situation under control.
Ottawa police said in a tweet that several vehicles attempted to occupy a downtown parking lot, but all but one left.
Ottawa police, who have been criticized for their handling of the February protests, said they would not allow motor vehicles to stop or park on downtown streets. She had called for additional personnel to reinforce the municipal authorities in preparation for the march on Friday.
In February, the government of Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked rarely used emergency powers to end protests in Ottawa and police arrested dozens of people blockading downtown near Parliament. The demonstrators had also blocked the main border crossings into the United States.
A former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Neil Sheard, is one of the main organizers of Friday’s march.
In a video posted to YouTube, Mr Sheard said he intended to lay a wreath at the National War Memorial as a mark of respect for veterans. The other groups taking part in the demonstration are more generally protesting against the government and government mandates.
Mr. Sheard said he supports any group that wants to fight for the freedom of all Canadians because, according to him, freedom of expression has been paid for by veterans.
“The rights and freedoms of Canadians are being eroded, and we will work to support civic and legal action to restore these fundamental rights,” Andrew MacGillivray, a member of Freedom Fighters Canada who is also participating in the protest, told Reuters recently.
The demonstrations which started on Friday are due to end on Sunday.