The Calgary Police Service (CPS) said it arrested three people in relation to pro-Palestine and Israel protests at Olympic Plaza. "Calgary is a diverse city, and we understand that this means diversity in thought and in causes that are immensely important to Calgarians," said CPS in a Sunday statement. "We maintain that we police behaviours and not beliefs, and in the last two protests, we have seen increasingly escalating behaviour that has required police intervention." While CPS will continue to uphold people's ability to protest, it reminded Calgarians there are "very definitive expectations and responsibilities to those who choose to protest." It will not tolerate people who put the safety of the public or police officers at risk. The arrests ranged from charges of breach of peace and one for assault with a weapon. It encouraged anyone who is planning an event or a demonstration to review the information on its website. CPS concluded by saying it is "committed to working with groups who want to organize an event that provides a safe and peaceful opportunity for demonstrators to exercise their lawful rights." "Our objective is to work with all parties to ensure public and officer safety, and to maintain orderly conduct and peace," it said. Two of the arrests were pro-Israel counterprotestors who had gathered to respond to the pro-Palestine rally. “Let me go,” said a pro-Israel counterprotestor. .The other counterprotestor was arrested for committing a similar action. The protestors had Palestine flags and carried signs with messages such as “You stay quiet and then wonder how [Adolf] Hitler pulled off the Holocaust” and “Canada demands a ceasefire now.” Counterprotestors waved Israeli and Canadian flags and held signs with messages such “We said never again” and “We stand with Israel.” They danced around to Israeli music, with one swaying a flag around. Counterprotestor Larry Heather moved his hand as his flag jostled around. CPS acknowledged about 330 people gathered at Olympic Plaza to show support for Palestine and Israel. “There have been incidents of violence, and we are asking the public to avoid the area as we work with both groups to de-escalate the conflict,” it said. .CPS followed up by confirming a few arrests had been made at the protest. “We remind anyone participating in the protests to know the law when protesting in #YYC and to not jeopardize public peace, endanger anyone, or participate in illegal events,” it said..Around 450 people gathered to demonstrate for a free Palestine in Calgary on October 14. READ MORE: WATCH: About 450 people attend pro-Palestine protest in Calgary“We do believe Palestine must be free,” said protest organizer Mahmoud Mourra. “Free free Palestine.”
