Specifically, the Committee Against Torture noted that it continues to receive allegations that law enforcement authorities inappropriately use chemical, irritant, incapacitating and mechanical weapons. The Human Rights Committee declared that Canada must make certain that it respects the freedoms guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by ensuring that only protesters committing criminal offences during demonstrations are arrested.
The B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the Ligue des droits et libertés say that policing measures that arbitrarily prohibit or limit demonstrations, for example by establishing “no-go” protest zones, are an impermissible interference with citizens’ rights.
Representatives of the RCMP and the Sureté du Quebec have not publicly stated whether “no-go” protest zones will be established during the SPP, and there are conflicting reports on the precise security measures that will be in place. The Sureté du Quebec announced that there will be a security perimeter of 2.1 km. Authorities also declared that all roads to Montebello will be closed to visitors who are considered "undesirable." The Sureté du Quebec and the RCMP did not exclude the possibility of establishing a larger security perimeter.
Grace Pastine: “Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The world is watching to see if Canada will respect the rights of its citizens.”
Contacts:
La Ligue des droits et libertes:
Gaetan Blais, media relations officer
514-715-7727 (cell phone)
B.C. Civil Liberties Association
Grace Pastine, Litigation Director
604-630-9751
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