The Ottawa Police Service has begun arresting protesters as they prepare to clear a three-week-long blockade of the Canadian capital.
After warning protesters, who are angry about the country’s COVID-19 restrictions, to either leave on their own accord or face charges, police officers took action on Friday. Some protesters willfully surrendered while others had to be restrained, according to the Associated Press. Two of these arrests have been made public, with more expected to come throughout the day.
The arrests come after the Ottawa Police Service established a secured area where the remaining truckers were located. This order was made to protect government buildings in the event that tensions escalate. On Thursday, the police said they were getting ready to remove more than 300 trucks, according to the AP.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is available.
Justin Tang /The Canadian Press via AP
