Republished June 15, 2020 - 12:14 PM
Original Publication Date June 15, 2020 - 10:36 AM
VANCOUVER - Seven people have been arrested as police removed protesters from a major route connecting downtown Vancouver to the city's east side.
Vancouver police say they ordered protesters off the east and westbound viaducts as the Monday morning rush hour began.
About 90 people had been blocking the roads since Saturday to show support for anti-racism protests in the United States.
Sgt. Aaron Roed said in a statement that the protest was peaceful throughout and most of the demonstrators were co-operative.
The seven were arrested after ignoring what Roed says were "multiple requests and orders."
His statement says the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts reopened within three hours of police first seeking the protesters' departure.
"Police are requesting charges of mischief and intimidation by blocking a highway," his statement says.
The viaducts were selected as a protest site because construction of the elevated roadways 50 years ago forced the demolition of what was known as Hogan's Alley, an area central to Vancouver's Black community.
The Hogan's Alley Society posted a social media message saying it was not the organizer of the weekend demonstration but it stands in solidarity with the protesters and their demands.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2020.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2020