Fourteen people arrested at pro-Palestinian protest in East Vancouver

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Fourteen people were arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest Friday for trying to block a railway line in East Vancouver, said police.

About 100 protesters gathered at Kaslo Street and Grandview Highway just after 11 a.m., blocking vehicle traffic and the Canadian National Railway.

The demonstrators — many wearing masks and scarves and some wearing balaclavas — refused several requests by police to move off the road and tracks, said police, and some became hostile.

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“Unlawful protests that block vital infrastructure put peoples’ safety at risk,” said Const. Tania Visintin in a statement.

“Our officers worked quickly, with help from CN Police and Metro Vancouver Transit Police, to prevent a prolonged blockade on the train tracks and to keep traffic moving.”

Vancouver police officers could be seen forming a line as they got ready to confront protesters. At one point, an officer could be heard telling the crowd they had 30 minutes to disperse. “Thank you and have a safe day.”

The protest was broken up around 2:30 p.m., with 14 people arrested for mischief and obstruction. Police said it plans to recommend charges.

This is the latest pro-Palestinian rally where protesters were arrested for blocking roads or infrastructure. 

On Wednesday, police broke up a pro-Palestinian protest that blocked an intersection that served as one of the main entrances to the University of B.C.’s Point Grey campus. One person was arrested.

The protest encampment that has been set up at UBC’s MacInnes Field for the last month remains. 

chchan@postmedia.com

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