Four people protesting in support of Wet’suwet’en land rights were arrested Monday morning after chaining themselves to the front doors of a bank at the Broadmead Village Shopping Centre, just before it opened for business.
Saanich police were notified at 8:45 a.m. and warned the seven members of the group they would be arrested if they didn’t leave. Three left but four refused to go and were arrested about 10 a.m.
They were transported to the Saanich Police Department for processing and then released with a court date.
“Saanich police acknowledge the constitutional right to hold peaceful, lawful protests,” Const. Markus Anastasiades said. “However, any protest that obstructs, interrupts or interferes with any person in the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property is not lawful.”
Investigators will be recommending charges of mischief.
