The Freedom Convoy is an ongoing protest in Canada against COVID-19 vaccine requirements for truckers to re-enter the country by land introduced by the government of Canada on January 15, 2022.
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The edict came as thousands of motorists took to the road on Wednesday and headed in the direction of Paris to demonstrate against government’s Covid policies – in particular the vaccination pass.
“The stated objective of these demonstrators is to ‘block the Capital’ – by obstructing road traffic in the streets of Paris to promote their demands, before continuing their journey towards Brussels on Monday February 14,” a press release from the police headquarters read.
The police cite an increased “risk of public order disturbances that this gathering could cause” as their reason for banning any Canada-style protests.
The authorities will impose heavy penalties for those who are “obstructing or hindering a road open to public traffic.” The misdemeanor carries a penalty of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of €4,500 ($5,150).
Organizing such a demonstration is punishable by six months’ imprisonment and a fine of €7,500.
The police also announced that a “specific device” will be used by the authorities to prevent the convoy from entering the city.
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French protesters have seemingly been inspired but the Canadian truckers’ protest. The Canadian Freedom Convoy has brought parts of Ottawa and other strategic parts of Canada to a standstill.
It started as a demonstration against vaccine mandates for cross-border truck drivers, but has grown into a broader protest against restrictions.
Source: RT