Winnipeg Police say a protest in downtown Winnipeg that snarled traffic during Thursday night rush hour was organized without a permit, but was allowed to proceed due to public safety concerns.
“Always we have in mind we don’t want to escalate the situation,” said Constable Eric Hofley Friday.
He says police were aware that a demonstration had been organized at the Canadian Human Rights Museum but didn’t know it was going to turn into a walk.
About 50 people walked to Portage Ave. and Main St. at about 5 p.m. and occupied the huge intersection, performing a native round dance in the middle of rush hour. Police swiftly blocked all traffic into the key route, causing huge lineups of vehicles for great distances in all directions. Some protesters also burned a Canadian flag.
Winnipeg police also provided an escort for the group as they proceeded west on Portage Avenue toward RCMP headquarters.
The protesters were showing support for a group in New Brunswick that was blocking a highway to protest shale gas exploration. RCMP attempted to remove them Thursday morning but violence broke out; several police cars were burned and dozens arrested.
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