Demonstrators, police officer injured at Fairy Creek Blockade site
Posted August 22, 2021 10:23 am.
Last Updated August 22, 2021 10:49 am.
PORT RENFREW (NEWS 1130) — At least two people were injured at the Fairy Creek Blockade on Vancouver Island on Saturday, where protesters have been demanding a stop to all old-growth logging in B.C.
In a statement released Saturday evening, Lake Cowichan RCMP say protestors were blocking the roadway and people had locked themselves to an industry gate. Police say protestors became “aggressive” and failed to take direction.
“There was pushing and shoving and OC spray was deployed when the crowd failed to comply with police directions,” the statement reads. One police officer was injured with a concussion and was transported to hospital.
The RCMP have confirmed 33 individuals were arrested for breaching the court injunction and obstruction, including one minor.
More body cam clips from my day photographing in #FairyCreek. Pepper spray was used to break up a linked-arm group of forest defenders this morning. pic.twitter.com/LxR11tr5W1
— Hell In A Handbag (@handbag_hell) August 22, 2021
In videos posted to social media, RCMP officers can be seen dragging protesters across the ground, after a group of demonstrators who were linked together by their arms were dispersed.
The Rainforest Flying Squad say its protestors were non-violent and say they were allegedly physically assaulted by RCMP officers. Police say one protester was assessed by medical crews.
The BC Provincial Court condemned RCMP tactics & methods at #FairyCreek.Excessive force used against this Nuu-Cha-Nulth & Coast Salish woman & others is wrong. The RCMP are obliged to follow the rule of law & must stop this brutality NOW! #SaveTheOldGrowth #ElderTrees #MMIWG pic.twitter.com/9dCy03Ucua
— Leah ProudLakota (she/her) (@LeahGazan) August 22, 2021
One protestor claims they had their crotch grabbed by a police officer, with another one claiming they were pepper sprayed in their mouth.
“RCMP have a duty to enforce the injunction, but they’re systematically going beyond and are trying to break the movement, which isn’t their job,” Noah Ross, a lawyer for the Rainforest Flying Squad says.
Police say 740 people have so far been arrested since the injunction came into effect.
