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G8 protesters to get list of dos and don’ts
Police hope cards outlining rights will keep people on right side of law
By EVA HOARE
Halifax police officers providing security for the world’s G8 development ministers here next week will meet protestors with a special card to explain everyone’s rights.
While it’s no Hallmark greeting card, it is a more civilized way to advise demonstrators what they can and can’t do, as well as detail what cops will act upon.
“This is something new we’re going to try,” said Halifax police spokesman Const. Brian Palmeter.
“It’s an attempt to educate, so everybody understands what their rights are.”
And officers hope the written information will act as a deterrent to some of the fiery protests that have broken out at previous meetings of world leaders in Halifax, when demonstrators clashed with officers clad in riot gear.
Pepper spray has also been used on roaring crowds.
Just a bit larger than a bookmark, Palmeter said the card entitled Legal Information for Demonstrators will be given to all protestors outside the two-day sessions that start on April 26 at Pier 21.
It features information from the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, emergency and non-emergency numbers plus Criminal Code breaches that could occur during a protest.
Police recently said they already know demonstrators will likely be outside the waterfront complex.
There are, however, peaceful events that will happen in the days before the G8 meetings.
A march and rally against the G8 is slated for April 25 at 1:30 p.m. in Victoria Park.
The Council of Canadians will also hold a forum concerning maternal and infant health at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia today at 7 p.m.
Development ministers from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, representatives of the European Union and Canada will meet on April 26 to draft proposals to bring forward to the G8 Summit in Huntsville, Ont., in June.
The Halifax sessions will include Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s initiative to improve maternal and children’s health in poor countries.
While the Halifax police will patrol outside Pier 21, the RCMP will take care of the development ministers’ safety.
RCMP spokeswoman Sgt. Brigdit Leger said the Mounties won’t reveal details of the security they have in place “because it may compromise the integrity of these security operations.”
As for outside, a Halifax police public safety unit will be on the job, said Palmeter.
“We would have our resources in place,” said the spokesman, noting the safety unit is "basically a trained group that’s been trained to deal with large numbers and crowds.
“We use them at concerts and large (events).”
Palmeter, too, wouldn’t discuss actual security measures officers may take during the meetings.
“We’ll be in a position to respond if needed.
“We’re hopeful that people will come down and (protest) in a lawful and peaceful manner,” Palmeter said.
Source: http://thechronicleherald.ca/Metro/1178936.html