Police not laying hate crime charges in weekend protests
Posted Mar 2, 2021 7:50 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Hate-related charges will not be laid following this weekend’s protest which saw anti-lockdown demonstrators carry tiki torches through downtown Calgary.
Calgary police released a statement saying there are specific thresholds that need to be met before they can charge anyone in relation to inciting hate.
Some of these include showing hatred against an identifiable group which is likely to lead to a breach of the peace.
Police said it had hate crime investigators at the rally gathering evidence but when it was presented to the crown they were told it did not meet the required threshold.
“As a Service, we are also required to protect the freedoms as outlined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” the statement reads. “In this case, we had groups from various opposing beliefs and our officers were focused on keeping everyone involved safe.”
WATCH: Protests against COVID-19 measures continue in Calgary
The statement ended by saying Calgary police do not condone the actions of those who choose to display any symbols associated with hate and also find it extremely distasteful.
Several city councillors have condemned the anti-lockdown protests over the weekend, saying Calgary will not tolerate symbols of hate in its streets.
