a right to protest



On arriving in Toronto, on 26th of June 2010. I witnessed a man being kicked to the ground. Behind the lines were 1000's of riot police. I decided to stay the week and document the G20 student protests. Students were prevented from protesting in what was designated a 'free speech zone' in Queens park, forcibly being removed by mounted armed police.

In the days of austerity measures, $1 Billion was spent to provide security for the 2 day summit. Over 900+ people were incarcerated in the largest mass arrest in Canadian history, most later released unconditionally. In one part of town, 200 members of the public were held or kettled in the cold and dark while it rained for several hours. Most were simply commuters going home after work.

Since then, Nearly 100 Toronto officers have been disciplined for removing ID numbers, the legality of the kettle tactic is being determined and the Toronto Police Chief admitted lying about a much touted 5m fence/stop & search ID law.