G20 arrests surpass 900, making Toronto site of largest mass arrests in Canadian history

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      The number of arrests linked to the G20 summit in Toronto has climbed to over 900.

      Jillian Van Acker, spokesperson for the G20 Integrated Security Unit, made the announcement this morning (June 28), according to reports from the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Sun.

      This makes the G20 summit the site of the largest mass arrests in Canadian history.

      With 856 arrests, the Clayoquot Sound logging protest in 1993 previously held that record.

      In 2001, 463 people were arrested during demonstrations at the Summit of the Americas in Quebec City.

      The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has condemned the sweeping arrests made by police at the G20 protests.

      “It would appear that the presumption of innocence has been suspended during the G20,” the organization said in a statement on Sunday (June 27).

      Amnesty International has called for an independent review of the security measures put in place for the G8 and G20 summits.

      This morning, the G20 Integrated Security Unit also announced it had lifted road, air, and marine restrictions in Toronto.

      People who live and work within the security perimeter can now enter the area without showing identification.

      “The ISU would like to thank residents and visitors for their cooperation and patience leading up to and during the G20 Summit,” the unit said in a statement.


      Riot police arrest G20 protesters at Queen's Park on June 26.

      You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter at twitter.com/stephenhui.

      Comments

      31 Comments

      Vega

      Jun 28, 2010 at 2:01pm

      ITZ OVER 900!!!

      oops wrong number

      skippy731973

      Jun 28, 2010 at 2:36pm

      RETARDS!!! and I'm not talking about the police

      requestingmoderation

      Jun 28, 2010 at 3:16pm

      Using offensive and degrading language to get your point across makes you look the fool. The term skippy731973 used is really offensive and I would ask that it be removed by a moderator.

      Canuck Fredlet

      Jun 28, 2010 at 5:05pm

      These people should be sent to prison if they can't protest like true Canadians I have to question if they are ?

      leobfrey

      Jun 28, 2010 at 5:05pm

      To begin with I don't think that 3/4 of the protestors even knew what they were protesting about. They were there to start riots and loot stores...period. They are nothing but common criminals and I hope for the most part they all are put away for a lengthy term. Maybe they could fine them all enough to take a big chunk out of the G20 security bill...lol

      glen p robbins

      Jun 28, 2010 at 5:33pm

      I suspect that for the first time in modern history -- a noticeable quorem of 'mainstream' Canadians -- are 'secretly sympathizing'--rooting for the protestors (the irrational) -- as a response to their 'fast' growing disdain for authority (the rational) -- post -- the flagrant abuse of the people by alleged democratic governments ---// and 'gift' of much of their money to incompetent business people--who would have been better made poor--by their greed and stupidity--(thus denying them the opportunity to reinvent themselves -- possibly as protestors).

      The anger at the protestors is not as much because of the damage some caused -- (it is afterall far short of a billion and one half spend on the party -- and will create work for insurance companies and repair people--more in keeping with President Obama's desire to consider stimulus)--

      the anger at the protestors -- is that it has provided news people and others with an opportunity to delve once again into the pedantic rhetoric of --- "isn't that just awful" castigation of Black Bloc -- (Bloc quebecois farmteam?) -- and by inference --- approval of an event which most Canadians (and I suspect most people in the World) -- (if we knew their real truth) would be seen as idiotic// -- that a consensus would hope we can get past -- quickly------because it's presentation presumes 'them' naive and---this insult by arrogant governments with little history of foresight or leadership -- that many of us watch helpless--suffering in silence -- generally sickened by the entire (and unwanted) spectacle.

      john sudbury

      Jun 28, 2010 at 5:35pm

      next time use thefirehoses on the nutjobs

      Oldtimer

      Jun 28, 2010 at 5:36pm

      It's time to put out the Fascist plot right now. Arrest Prime Minister Harper, his entire cabinet and every single police officer who participated in the G20 Fascist expo that Toronto endured this past weekend. They have all committed crimes against the people of Canada. Of course vandals who have legitimate evidence against them should be prosecuted as well.
      Turn off the T.V. and engage in your community! It is time for Canadians to reclaim democracy.
      Interesting that yesterday the advertiser at the bottom was the R.CM.P. recruiting , today it is a "Firearms Training Institute" What gives Georgia Straight?

      Jason C. McLean

      Jun 28, 2010 at 8:56pm

      The cops wanted to justify the billion plus dollars that was wasted on "security" for this photo op. They let a few cars get burnt and some windows smashed, then go hog-wild arresting anyone and everyone who's against the G-20, no matter how peaceful they are