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Victoria police halt Gaza protest attendance after 126 weeks, ask for marches to end
Victoria Police cite officer well-being and safety risks after dedicating over 10,000 hours and attending 126 protests since fall 2023.
- Starting April 4, The Victoria Police Department will stop providing traffic control for Palestine marches, ending support after maintaining a presence at 126 consecutive weekly demonstrations.
- Police Chief Fiona Wilson stated the decision is a "necessary step" to ensure "sustainable policing and protect the long-term health" of officers after the department dedicated over 10,000 hours to the weekly demonstrations since 2023.
- Connor King, operational planning chief for Victoria police, said policing cost $1.2 million but "so this isn't by and large coming out of VicPD's budget," while police "strongly urges" protesters not to march on roadways citing safety risks.
- Beginning March 28, VicPD will inform participants and nearby businesses about the changes, using the final march it attends on that Saturday to educate protesters about the expected reduced police presence.
- Protesters may still assemble in parks and on City property, which King stated is "fundamentally important" for exercising Charter rights, and the department plans continued engagement with organizers for a smooth transition.
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Bowen Island Undercurrent+17 Reposted by 17 other sources
Victoria police ending attendance at Gaza protest marches after 126 weeks
VICTORIA — Police in Victoria are asking pro-Palestine protesters to stop marching on public roads on their way to and from the legislature building, citing the drain on police resources from attending the event 126 times in a row.
The Toronto Star+15 Reposted by 15 other sources
Victoria police halt Gaza protest attendance after 126 weeks, ask for marches to end
VICTORIA - Police in Victoria are asking pro-Palestine protesters to stop marching on public roads on their way to the legislature building, citing the drain on police resources from attending
·Toronto, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources37
Leaning Left25Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution86% Left
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Left
86% Left
L 86%
14%
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