'Occupy' camp remains quiet overnight
Protesters affiliated to the the Occupy Toronto movement fortify a pavilion in St.James Park in Toronto on Tuesday November 22, 2011 as they continue to defy an eviction notice amid rumours of a Police raid. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
St. James Park remained peaceful overnight as protesters tried their best to stay awake amid fears police would move in and enforce an eviction order that would bring the ‘Occupy Toronto' movement to an end.
Many protesters have packed up their belongings after the courts upheld a city decision Monday to enforce a trespass notice and clear the park of any people between midnight and 5:30 a.m.
However, dozen of demonstrators said they won't leave without a fight and are ready to be arrested for their cause. Others have said they are ready to launch a hunger strike if they are forcefully evicted.
Twelve people have chained themselves to a large yurt that has been used as a library. There are several more people inside. Protesters nailed together wooden boards around the yurt in an effort to make things difficult for police attempting to raid it.
About 30 demonstrators huddled under a gazebo in the park, seeking shelter in the rain and playing drums in an effort to keep the spirit of the 'Occupy' movement alive.
Despite the court-backed eviction order, police have not moved in on protesters for the past two nights though there were rampant rumours that authorities would move in on the camp site at some point Wednesday morning.
Police were spotted in the vicinity of the park overnight but CP24 reporter Rena Heer said more cruisers arrived in the area at around 4 a.m. Witnesses have reported seeing a large contingent of police officers in the area of Parliament and Wellesley streets.
The 'Occupy' movement started in New York City and has since spread to cities across North America.
Protesters say the current distribution of wealth leaves only one per cent of the population with financial security.
Many protesters have packed up their belongings after the courts upheld a city decision Monday to enforce a trespass notice and clear the park of any people between midnight and 5:30 a.m.
However, dozen of demonstrators said they won't leave without a fight and are ready to be arrested for their cause. Others have said they are ready to launch a hunger strike if they are forcefully evicted.
Twelve people have chained themselves to a large yurt that has been used as a library. There are several more people inside. Protesters nailed together wooden boards around the yurt in an effort to make things difficult for police attempting to raid it.
About 30 demonstrators huddled under a gazebo in the park, seeking shelter in the rain and playing drums in an effort to keep the spirit of the 'Occupy' movement alive.
Despite the court-backed eviction order, police have not moved in on protesters for the past two nights though there were rampant rumours that authorities would move in on the camp site at some point Wednesday morning.
Police were spotted in the vicinity of the park overnight but CP24 reporter Rena Heer said more cruisers arrived in the area at around 4 a.m. Witnesses have reported seeing a large contingent of police officers in the area of Parliament and Wellesley streets.
The 'Occupy' movement started in New York City and has since spread to cities across North America.
Protesters say the current distribution of wealth leaves only one per cent of the population with financial security.
No comments:
Post a Comment