POSTED: February 13th 2010
NewsUpdate
Shop attacks prompt arrests as police act against Games protesters
KEIR RADNEDGE / Sports Features Communications
VANCOUVER, Feb 13: Seven arrests were made by police after around 200 anti-Games protesters smashed shop windows and damaged cars in downtown Vancouver on the first full scheduled competitive day of the 2010 Winter Olympics here.
A group calling itself the Olympic Resistance Network said it was protesting against local homelessness contrasted with the cost of the Games. Vancouver police said more than 200 masked protesters had begun a march near BC Place where Friday night's opening ceremony had taken place.
A spokesman said: “Protesters were throwing objects at police members, spray painting vehicles and transit buses, smashing windows and intimidating pedestrians.”
Security units featuring police officers using motorbikes and shields to disperse the crowds. Three shopfront windows were smashed and spray painted red.
Minor skirmishes had taken place before Friday's Opening Ceremonies when the final stage of the torch relay had to be diverted before it eventually entered the stadium on schedule.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson and British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell criticized the protesters for not making their statement in a peaceful manner.
Robertson said: “I’m really disappointed there was violence and disrespect shown by protesters. I think all in Vancouver expect there will be peaceful protests and a few individuals crossed that line. I'm very proud of the Vancouver Police Department's performance. They handled the situation very well.''
Campbell said: “These protesters are trying to attract attention to themselves. They are trying to frighten people. Now is a time for celebration. Now is a time to try and lift Canada up. Frankly, I think the protesters are self-centered and selfish and in many cases cowardly.''
Keywords · 2010 Winter Olympics · Vancouver · protesters
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