'Freedom Convoy' Protests Continue in Ottawa As Police Threaten Arrests (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Canadian police on Sunday cleared a key US border bridge occupied by trucker-led demonstrators angry over COVID-19 restrictions, towing vehicles and making "several" arrests in their bid to quell a movement that has also paralyzed downtown Ottawa.
US officials, who had pressed for a quick resolution as the blockades hit auto industries in both countries, praised what they called the "decisive" action in Windsor and said they expected the bridge to open by day's end.
White House national security advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall said US and Canadian officials recognized "the imperative of taking swift, strong action and deterring future blockades."
A heavy police cordon continued to protect the area on Sunday afternoon, with protesters still nearby and police indicating they would make further arrests.
The demonstrations have inspired copycat protests around the globe, including in France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand, and with some US truckers discussing a protest for March.
On Sunday, with thousands of protesters still paralyzing the center of federal capital Ottawa, Canada's public safety and emergency preparedness minister indicated that patience was running short.
Truckers had converged on Ottawa two weeks ago to press their demand for an end to a vaccination requirement affecting truckers crossing the international border.
But their demands have grown. The protesters now seek an end to all vaccine mandates, whether imposed by the federal or provincial governments.
Police in Ottawa on Saturday estimated that some 4,000 demonstrators were still occupying the city.
