Thursday, March 28, 2024

Six old-growth logging protestors arrested after blocking Highway 1 in Saanich

Share

Six old-growth logging protestors were arrested Monday afternoon after blocking Highway 1 at Tillicum road in Saanich.

Yesterday’s protest marks the fifth disruption in the month of January by the demonstrators who have seen their actions result in multiple arrests each time.

In a media release, Saanich Police said between 25 and 30 “Save Old Growth” protesters blocked the highway at Tillicum Road at around 3:40 p.m. Monday.

“This demonstration took place at a time when several of our officers were responding to
priority emergency calls in Saanich,”Const. Markus Anastasiades said in a statement.

Once enough police resources arrived, including officers from the West Shore RCMP, a total of six people were arrested and transported to the Saanich Police Department.

“We would like to thank the West Shore RCMP for assisting at the scene and the Victoria Police for offering their resources as well. While people have the right to protest in a lawful manner, we have no tolerance for illegal protests that block our highways,” said Anastasiades.

The road was reopened to traffic just after 4 p.m., and the arrested were later released with conditions and a court date.

According to a media release from “Save Old Growth” on Monday, this will be the last road-block action until March where further arrests are expected.

The group, an extension of Extinction Rebellion, has carried out protests in Victoria, Nanaimo and Vancouver over the last four weeks, each time resulting in arrests.

mm
Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

Read more

Latest Stories