By Barry Ellsworth
TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Toronto police banned demonstrations in an area of the city that has seen several incidents involving pro-Palestinian protesters, according to reports Thursday.
The protests have taken place in a high-traffic area on the Avenue Road overpass bridge and have been the subject of complaints from residents, many of whom are Jewish and feel intimidated, said police
“People can expect to be arrested, if necessary,” Police Chief Myron Demkiw said at a police board meeting. “Activities that take place on the Avenue Road overpass in the surrounding areas will be investigated with a criminal lens.”
The area is a favorite gathering place for pro-Palestinian protesters and police have been forced to close the bridge at least three times, said the Toronto Star newspaper. Many residents and some city councilors have asked police to ban demonstrations in the area.
Demkiw said protesters are also at risk of injury due to heavy traffic.
But the police chief also emphasized that the effect of the protesters on residents is a major factor in the ban.
“Beyond a criminal charge of mischief, we know that this behavior around the bridge has led to feelings of insecurity and intimidation for the Jewish community for very good reason,” he said. “Community members in this area are feeling intimidated by the actions of demonstrators.”
Last week, police officers stopped protesters from going onto the bridge because it was becoming too crowded.
But officers were roundly criticized when they delivered coffee and donuts to protesters on the bridge.