Canadian police have begun clearing out blocked protesters the key bridge connecting Canada and the United States on Saturday, Reuters reported.
“We call on all demonstrators to act legally and peacefully,” police said on Twitter. urging travelers to avoid areas affected by the demonstrations.
It happens more than 12 hours after the entry into force of a court order, which puts an end to the blockade.
The lawsuit was filed by the City of Windsor and the Automobile Parts Manufacturers Association, which claims that suffers a loss of C $ 50 million a day due to the “Convoy of Freedom”.
A Canadian court has ordered drivers to end the blockade
Truck drivers have blocked Ambassador Bridge, a major commercial link between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.
–
The number of demonstrators decreased from about 200 on Friday night to about dozens early Saturday morning. Protesters near the bridge were seen returning peacefully.
Freedom Convoy protests entered their 16th day on Saturday.
They have inspired similar convoys and plans in the United States, France, New Zealand and Australia.
In Paris, French police used tear gas against protesters on the Champs-Elysées on Saturday shortly after a convoy carrying protesters against COVID-19 restrictions entered the capital.
–
Macron calls for calm after French “freedom convoy”
Prime Minister Jean Castex was more outspoken. “Citizens have the right to protest, but not to block the capital”
–
The protests in Canada became a wider protest – not only against the restrictions of COVID, but also against the government.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was under pressure from leaders opposition parties to intervene, while the administration of US President Joe Biden called on his government to use federal powers. Trudeau promised Biden swift action to end the crisis.
It is planned Trudeau to chair a meeting of his top advisers on Saturdayto discuss the ongoing blockades, according to his office.
–
