Ottawa, February 3: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Wednesday broke his silence on ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests led by 50,000 truck drivers in the capital, saying he would not meet up with the convoy organizers as the truck drivers were making “hate speeches”.
Speaking to the reporters at the inline press conference, Trudeau said Canadians have been shocked and angry by the the behaviour of some at the demonstrations in the national capital.
When asked when is he going to meet with the protesters, Trudeau said he did not want to go to any demonstrations where hate speech was being made and violence against his own countrymen was taking place.
Ottawa police have made a third arrest in relation to the ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests that have shut down parts of Ottawa since Friday.
Police said Wednesday morning they have charged a 48-year-old Quebec man for making threats and comments on social media while he was in Ottawa.
Police did not release the man’s name, but said he is facing charges of uttering threats and counselling to commit an indictable offence.
Trucks remain on Wellington Street in downtown Ottawa, although the number of demonstrators is dwindling. Police said Tuesday night about 250 remained on and around Parliament Hill. Organizers of the protest say they plan to stay “as long as it takes for freedom to be restored.”
