Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Congo protesters clash with police at U.S. Consulate

Congo protesters clash with police at U.S. Consulate

 

 Two people have been arrested and an officer suffered minor injuries after protesters clashed with police in front of the U.S. Consulate on University Avenue.

Police called for city-wide assistance just after 1 p.m. following reports that protesters were throwing objects at officers. 


Around 150 people gathered to protest the Congo elections, which have been plagued by accusations of rigging.


"We are here today to protest the result of the election which will be published tonight in the Congo," said one protester. "We are being robbed again."


Following the first arrest a group of protesters surrounded a police cruiser, attempting to prevent it from leaving.  That led to a tense scuffle, as police tried to contain the increasingly agitated crowd. 


One protester laid down in front of the cruiser before being carried away by officers.


A 45-year-old man is facing charges of unlawful assembly, attempted forced entry (of the U.S. Consulate), and assaulting police.  A 26-year-old has been charged with unlawful assembly, assault with a weapon and assaulting an officer with a weapon.


University Ave., was closed for about an hour before being reopened to traffic shortly after 2 p.m.


After the area was cleared protesters made their way to Queen's Park.


Congo protesters clash with police at U.S. Consulate

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