Days after police in Edmonton and Calgary dismantled pro-Palestinian encampments on university campuses, Premier Danielle Smith says the province is asking ASIRT to investigate in light of reports of injuries. Lisa MacGregor reports., some officials appear to be reluctant to address what happened even as the province says it’ll ask the provincial police watchdog to investigate.
The Edmonton Police Service said it repeatedly gave campus demonstrators notice that they were breaching university policy and provincial trespassing laws.Officers issued a final warning just after 4:30 a.m. Saturday and escorted demonstrators from the north campus quad following one last call to leave, said spokesman Scott Pattison.
The actions in Calgary and Edmonton mirrored similar measures authorities have taken in recent days to crack down on campus protesters at sites across the country.Last Friday, Premier Danielle Smith was asked about the campus encampments and at the time, said universities can’t allow demonstrations to get out of control or allow hate speech.
“Given the recent escalation of global events and public interest in how demonstrations are being managed by law enforcement, the EPS welcomes the oversight of ASIRT and will fully cooperate with their investigation,” said a statement from the Edmonton Police Service. “We absolutely uphold the right to protest — students are able to protest on campus, absolutely. And we know that this is a very live, sensitive issue at this moment,” she said.
“We need to get some more details, I think, before passing judgement on anyone or anything about the process,” she said at city hall.Closing sales begin at Ted Baker, Brooks Brothers and Lucky Brand in CanadaSlow down, move over: The law for roadside workers many drivers don’t seem to know