This is indeed what I’ve been concerned with, escalating tension leading to police violence, all due to the passing of Ont. Reg. 233\/10, which gives the police more power and authority as per the PWPA. I am strongly against the use of the PWPA as a way to invoke emergency powers for the police. I find it unconstitutional and it has only angered protesters more and also angered others who weren’t even protesting initially. Everyone has a right to organize, rally, demonstrate, and voice their dissenting opinions.<\/p>\n
Following are my latest tweets\/retweets today regarding the G20 (as is standard with Twitter, the latest tweets are first and the earliest one last – ignore the timestamps as I’ve been updating and writing this blog at the same time):<\/p>\n
\nOkay, I need to take a break and get some food. Will be back later to check on the status of the G20 protests…. http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60ltnm
\nless than 10 seconds ago via API
\nRT @Spacing: Protesters trampled by horses described as “bloodied and broken,” then dragged behind police lines, not to be seen after. #G20
\n6 minutes ago via web
\nRT @AntoniaZ: Reports of mounted police charging peaceful protesters at Queen’s Park appear to be true. Sadly. #G20
\n7 minutes ago via web
\nRT @AntoniaZ: Multiple (unconfirmed) reports of mounted police charging peaceful protesters at Queen’s Park where people are boxed in by buses. #G20
\n7 minutes ago via web
\nRT @spirodon: Toronto: At least 4 community organizers currently being held as political prisoners @g20mobilize http:\/\/bit.ly\/a3suo8 #g20report
\n8 minutes ago via web
\nRT @torontoist: Police on horses recently “charged the crowd” at Queen’s Park, reports @hyfen. “Lots of wild running.” #G20
\n9 minutes ago via web
\nCops on horseback rushed the protesters – seems like they’re trying to shut down the protests now. http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60lp5j
\n21 minutes ago via API
\nRT @SimaSaharZerehi: Cops on horses rush through lines of protestors @ University #g20report #g20
\n22 minutes ago via web
\nRT @KateMilberry: AMC journo from Queen’s Park: Line of riot police attacking people, shooting with tear gas pellets, arresting folks #g20report #policestate
\n27 minutes ago via web
\nRT @AntoniaZ: RT @buhfy Seems they were shooting rubber bullets too, ppl saying. More cops marching in. Not once have cops communicated to crowd. #G20
\n28 minutes ago via web
\nRT @lisanjutras: Just talked to protestor. The cops have small pellets of powder they shoot at peoples legs, feet. He saw 8 ppl arrested
\n28 minutes ago via web
\nRT @torontoist: Smoke at Queen’s Park http:\/\/bit.ly\/dfSmM4 Not clear yet if it’s tear gas, flares, etc. Protesters are throwing rocks. #g20
\n29 minutes ago via web
\nPolice – please show restraint on Taser use as per new directives this year. Do not aim at anyone’s chest. htt… http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60lnb5
\nRT @nowtoronto: More cops arriving at University and College armed with tasers. #g20
\n2 minutes ago via web
\nRT @elamin88: Protesters are singing “What the world needs now is love, sweet love.”#G20Report
\n2 minutes ago via web
\nRT @spirodon: main report on @cbcnews on G20 protests includes not a single quote from an activist voice; balance? http:\/\/bit.ly\/9BGtOu #g20report
\n2 minutes ago via web
\nRT @nowtoronto: Cops on horses blocking view from sth of University. Skirmishes. Placards on the ground. Protesters on QP lawn pinned.#g20
\n3 minutes ago via web
\nRT @krystalline_k: Pepper spray or tear gas; I can’t tell from here because I can just hear screaming and see puffs of smoke. I’m gettin reports of both.
\n3 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20updates: Kathryn Carlson: Intense standoff in Queen’s Park. Pepper spray deployed, crowds running, arrests. It’s very, very tense and unpredictabe
\n5 minutes ago via web
\nRT @RaveenaAulakh: #G20 Six men and one woman lie on Bay at King St. They are staying the night, they say.
\n5 minutes ago via web
\nRT @SimaSaharZerehi: More tear gas shot on University Ave & College #g20report #g20
\n5 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20updates: Matt Braga is at University and College: Police just made a rush forward, they’re pushing us. They’re firing pepper balls.
\n5 minutes ago via web
\nRT @torontoist: More from David Miller: http:\/\/bit.ly\/bk1idU #G20 “They call themselves anarchists…I think criminals would be a better term”
\n6 minutes ago via web
\nshares http:\/\/thestar.blogs.com\/g20\/ (Alison Blais… says she was pepper sprayed in the nose and mouth.) Conf… http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60lk6b
\n7 minutes ago via API
\nPolice already have the authority to arrest anyone who assaults them, they don’t need the extra powers from th… http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60lhiy
\n22 minutes ago via API
\nRT @torontoist: RT @postedtoronto: Mayor Miller: “A small group of people, “criminals”, came clearly with the intent of perpetrating crime” #G20
\n23 minutes ago via web
\nRT @snotforprofit: #G20 crowd demographics: Mixed gender, genx\/ y with video cameras, boomers w\/ SLR lenses, ethnicity varied – few teen, lots of 30sumthins
\n24 minutes ago via web
\nRT @anndouglas: CBC TV reporting less than 100 violent protesters out of total crowd of 10,000 protesters. #g20
\n24 minutes ago via web
\nRT @postedtoronto: Mayor Miller: “From what I have seen, police are acting appropriately. Their response to violence will be ‘strong'”
\n25 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20updates: Matt Braga is at University and College: They’ve got the sound cannon out. They’re saying things, but I’m not close enough to hear.
\n26 minutes ago via web
\nRT @RaveenaAulakh: #G20 Just saw someone smash the glass doors of Canada Permanent Building at Adelaide and Bay.
\n26 minutes ago via web
\nRT @adammacisaac: 30 mins ago police used rubber bullets or bean bags on #G20 crowd. @CBCNews picking up story now #G20Report
\n26 minutes ago via web
\nRT @KateMilberry: Cops fired on crowd: rubber bullets or bean bags at University\/College #g20report #g20 #policestate
\n26 minutes ago via web
\nRT @nowtoronto: Choppers heading towards Covention Centre. Or King and Bay melee?#g20
\n26 minutes ago via web
\nRT @PialiRoy: For folks far away, #G20 protests here in Toronto have become chaotic at times in downtown core beyond fence. Entire city is NOT under siege
\n26 minutes ago via web
\nRT @kellyowarrior: At the fence – just walked around the block at King & Yonge – riot Cops holding back march still at King & Bay #g20 http:\/\/yfrog.com\/mrog6j
\n27 minutes ago via web
\nRT @timmcsorley: approx 500 riot cops in Queen’s Park, even more on bikes & horses; protesters getting pushed back. College completely blocked. #g20report
\n27 minutes ago via web
\nRT @impolitical: Star blog 5:06 pm: tear gas canisters have been thrown but landed too far away fr protesters 2 have impact (College St) http:\/\/ow.ly\/23Ghu
\n27 minutes ago via web
\nRT @buhfy: One guy smashed on head with baton. Smelling tear gas now; ppl crying.
\n27 minutes ago via web
\nRT @TorontoStar: Toronto Police – ISU now retracting statement they used tear gas. #g20
\n28 minutes ago via web
\nRT @680News: Toronto police Sgt. Tim Burrows confirmed to 680News police have not used firearms, pepper spray, tear gas, rubber bullets in G20 protest.
\n29 minutes ago via web
\nshares http:\/\/tinyurl.com\/38lzsdh (Torontoist – G20 Live) Along with rabbleca on Twitter, you can follow Toron… http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60la2v
\nabout 1 hour ago via API
\nRT @tara_cssdp: Cops rushing group at college and university #g20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @g8g20agenda: RT @TorontoStar: 3 hospitals in lock down – Mt. Sinai, Toronto General and Princess Margaret #g20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @craigkielburger: Riot police squeezing protestors out of Queens Park. Very strategic. Protestors telling each other to slowly back out. Some get arrested #G8
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nThe deaf man that was arrested yesterday has been released finally. #G20 http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60l8zp
\nabout 1 hour ago via API
\nRT @HiMYSYeD: TPS in riot gear have safely retaken University & college intersection. #g20 #G20report http:\/\/twitpic.com\/208atr
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @AntoniaZ: RT @RaveenaAulakh #G20 Everyone is waiting for teargas at King and Bay. Very angry protesters, cops angrier.
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\n“Hey ho! Harper’s got to go!!!” (angry) Please replurk and retweet. Canadian citizens need your support! http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60l8be
\nabout 1 hour ago via API
\nRT @tamera: Harper knew this would happen to our beautiful city. Inexcusable to have held the #G20 here. Shame.
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @balkissoon: Yonge St. is an absolute sea of people. Big group stops to chk World Cup through window. Cheers for Ghana. #G20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @RaveenaAulakh: #G20 Wildest and angriest crowd of the day yet. Screaming, bellowing and pushing COPS back at King and Bay.
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @g20updates: Toronto Police’s Wendy Drummond confirms to CP24 that tear gas has been used for the first time in Toronto #G20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @nowtoronto: A sit-in on the streetcar tracks at King and Yonge. ”If we get violent, they’ll get violent” #g20 http:\/\/twitpic.com\/2085xn
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @KateMilberry: RT @MDCLegalUpdates: Deaf man arrested yesterday finally released after being denied access to counsel & ALS interpreter #g20report #g20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @CP24: Police confirm tear gas has been used at College St. and University Ave.
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @g8g20agenda: Police fire rubber bullets at media. Miss violent protesters at University and College. #G20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @JayManCanada: CBC reporter: two seriously injured in protests. One man’s skull was visible through gash in his head, rushed to hospital. #g20report
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nIf they can sneak in a temp regulation this fast that gives police such widespread authority and power, how fa… http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60l7ft
\nabout 1 hour ago via API
\nDoes Toronto need a Neda before people will stand up against what may well be the beginnings of a police state… http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60l73z
\nabout 1 hour ago via API
\nI’m hearing EMS (Emergency Medical Services) vehicles now. The sound is moving south… I am really hoping no … http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60l6r4
\nabout 1 hour ago via API
\nRT @davescrivener: Marchers heading down Bay into the heart of the financial district. #G20 still in the 1000s
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @craigkielburger: Tear gas being deployed at College and University. #G20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @HarshaWalia: Thousands still on the street in toronto: labor, anti war, students, anarchists, community organizers. G20 shutdown! #g20report
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @g8g20agenda: No sign yet of supposed military. Maybe a false alarm? #G20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @g8g20agenda: Eaton Centre now being evacuated. #G20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @TorontoStar: Eaton Centre locked down. Protesters now outside police headquarters. #g20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @G8G20ISUca: ***There is no fench breach at Bay and King as there is no security fence there. #g8g20isu
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nI’m using Plurk and Twitter, for the Plurkers on here, you can follow me on Twitter. Same name as on here. http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60l5mv
\nabout 1 hour ago via API
\nHear those helicopters? It’s the sound of liberty dying. Today is a very bad day in the history of Toronto. :-… http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60l4np
\nabout 1 hour ago via API
\nRT @theonetruegigi: Why do they hold #g20 in urban areas? Whoever keeps planning this shit deserves to be taken out back and beaten. Repeatedly.
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @theonetruegigi: Stephen Harper is a supremely irresponsible, unthinking yet calculating asshole for dropping this #G20 turd on #Toronto.
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nI’ve been hearing helicopters all week. Another one flew by a few minutes ago heading south. http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60l1jn
\nRT @g8g20agenda: Apparently the military is arriving in Toronto. #G20
\n9 minutes ago via web
\nRT @a_picazo: BlackBloc’s violence was permitted, willingly by the police standing idly by as peaceful protests were stormed by BlackBloc. #G20 #cdnpoli
\n9 minutes ago via web
\nRT @torontoist: Tensions are mounting at Queen and John. Some spitting, throwing of food. #G20
\n10 minutes ago via web
\nRT @rabbleca: Queen and Richmond stalemate. There’s smoke. P http:\/\/tweetphoto.com\/29306485
\n10 minutes ago via web
\nRT @FancieTweets: Police pushback at #battleofspadina. We’re not budging. #g20report #cbcg20 http:\/\/twitpic.com\/2077ec
\n11 minutes ago via web
\nRT @PreemptDissent: Here comes the water cannon: RT @TorontoStar http:\/\/twitpic.com\/206x9j #g20 #g20report
\n11 minutes ago via web
\nRT @kady: Okay, seems to have calmed down a bit. It’s sort of a riot cop\/media\/anarchist sandwich, actually. #cbcg20
\n11 minutes ago via web
\nRT @CP24: GO Transit not running between Danforth and Mimico stations due to #G20
\n11 minutes ago via web
\nRT @AntoniaZ: RT @mmcohen police have drawn line just south of queen. tear gas, mounted units , and psu http:\/\/twitpic.com\/2075e9 #G20
\n12 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20mobilize: reinforcments being brought in at Spadina, John, Peter south of queen #g20report
\n12 minutes ago via web
\nRT @nowtoronto: Medical emergency at Queen and John. Protesters bleeding profusely. Unclear why. #g20
\n12 minutes ago via web
\nRT @IndiraBalki: Amazing 2 see the crwd strng despite all the full deplymt of the #policestate & its arsnal #g20 strand’d in the burbs
\n13 minutes ago via web
\nRT @erynwheatley: report of serious incidents of police beating crowd 3 to 5 people with head injuries Queen and John #g20report #resistG20
\n13 minutes ago via web
\nRT @kellyowarrior: People’s First march has breakaway at Spadina &Queen – south to the fence #g20 http:\/\/yfrog.com\/0cyqtoj
\n13 minutes ago via web
\nRT @andreamoffat: RT @lacymacauley: This crowd is huge! Probably closer to 20,000. Another group pic! #Toronto #G20 #G20report http:\/\/twitpic.com\/2072np
\n14 minutes ago via web
\nRT @stephen_taylor: Members of Black Bloc get pepper sprayed at Queen\/John according to report #G20
\n15 minutes ago via web
\n@rabbleca Protesters, please don’t break down the bookstore – books are part of freedom of expression!!!!
\n15 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20updates: CP24 reports at Spadina and Richmond, protesters are throwing sticks #G20
\n17 minutes ago via web
\nRT @rabbleca: RT @ArielTroster: Cops at Queen and John, guarding Chapters in full riot gear #G20report http:\/\/twitpic.com\/20742s
\n17 minutes ago via web
\nRT @CP24: EMS called to treat 3 protesters bleeding from the head at Queen and John – can’t get there due 2 protesters clogging streets
\n18 minutes ago via web
\nRT @adammacisaac: #PoliceState for “own security” RT @milleramy Queen & John members of black bloc peppersprayed & one bleeding from head. #g20report #Cdnpoli
\n19 minutes ago via web
\nRT @timmcsorley: reports protesters broke away to head down John St. to fence beaten with shields and batons; have rejoined protest on Queen. #g20report
\n19 minutes ago via web
\nRT @nationalpost: Two protest organizers arrested while leaving Allan Gardens tent city http:\/\/natpo.st\/9srsDn
\n19 minutes ago via web
\nRT @journodave: Looks like Toronto is about to get tear gassed. Riot cops masking up now. #G20
\n20 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20mobilize: People pushed back to queen street but they are not afraid. Everyone is united. #g20 #g20report
\n21 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20mobilize: People marched through the first line of cops, met by riot police and police beat people with batons. #g20 #g20report
\n21 minutes ago via web
\n@NoLore Hope you’re okay. Get to safety if you need to!
\n22 minutes ago via web in reply to NoLore
\nRT @NoLore: Just got beat down by a cop while I was huddled in at speakers corner. Thanks to the folks who dragged me out. I’m fully shaken #g20
\n23 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20updates: Some riot police at Queen and John are starting to put their gas masks on, CP24 reports. #G20
\n23 minutes ago via web
\nRT @abtthecause: RT @NoLore We broke through. Just saw a broken nose. Riot cops are slamming their shields
\n23 minutes ago via web
\nRT @liamdevlincasey: Women chanting “Healthcare, childcare, anything but warfare.” #g20
\n24 minutes ago via web
\nRT @torontoist: Police just donned gas masks & what looks like tear gas guns to confront the protesters that are trying to charge down John Street. \/SM #G20
\n24 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20mobilize: people are trying to break through at john street. #g20report
\n24 minutes ago via web
\nRT @michalhay: Riot police shoving everyone at queen and John #G20 #g20report
\n24 minutes ago via web
\nRT @erynwheatley: RT @AntoniaZ: No TTC. No civil liberties. No freedom from illegal searches. It’s almost like Toronto is under arrest 2day. #G20 #policestate
\n25 minutes ago via web
\nRT @SimaSaharZerehi: Additional lines of cops forming along south side of Spadina as crowd gathers at Queen & Spadina #g20report #g20
\n25 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20mobilize: East on queen street, rubber bullet cops only at us embassy #g20report
\n25 minutes ago via web
\nRT @michalhay: What is this cop armed with? #G20 #g20report #cbcg20 http:\/\/tweetphoto.com\/29298891
\n26 minutes ago via web
\nRT @FancieTweets: Some RCMP are packing MP5 machine guns at the #g20 demo. This not democracy #g20report http:\/\/twitpic.com\/206umm
\n26 minutes ago via web
\nRT @lacymacauley: Dose of Celtic liberation! Bagpiper says he’s piping to inspire ppl to take to streets! #Toronto #G20 #G20report http:\/\/twitpic.com\/206u9z
\n27 minutes ago via web
\nRT @nowtoronto: CEP rep tells me protest is going to try and get to fence to challenge new arrest regs. #g20
\n27 minutes ago via web
\nRT @timmcsorley: RT @g20mobilize: Cops with rubber bullet guns everywhere. Almost at queen st #g20report
\n27 minutes ago via web
\nRT @NoLore: Lots of people photographing the cops. “How do you sleep at night?” People yell. #g20 #g20report
\n28 minutes ago via web
\nRT @timmcsorley: reports that two lines of police – full-geared riot cops, and helmeted bike cops – blocking every road leading to the fence. #g20report
\n29 minutes ago via web
\nRT @NoLore: Insane bottleneck forced on crowd to keep ppl well away from the US consulate. #g20 #g20report http:\/\/twitpic.com\/206u6d
\n29 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20updates: Nick Aveling on Queen St.: Police block every route southbound, while Black Block members rush to the front of the group at Queen and Soho
\n30 minutes ago via web
\nRT @SimaSaharZerehi: As cops with tear gas gun step in protestors chant “we’re not violent how about you?” #g20report #g20 http:\/\/twitpic.com\/206t3w
\n30 minutes ago via web
\nRT @RBird1010: Officers in riot gear block Spadina, south of Queen http:\/\/twitpic.com\/206t1z
\n31 minutes ago via web
\nRT @AntoniaZ: #G20 @g20mobilize release says 20 cops busted into a TO home, dragging & kicking people from beds at 4:45 a.m. No warrants. #OntarioValues
\n32 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20updates: Riot police with shields lined up on Richmond across University. Police on bikes hold up protest on Queen and University to create a buffer
\n33 minutes ago via web
\nRT @rabbleca: Lots of new photos and video up at http:\/\/rabble.ca\/issues\/g8-g20 #g20report #g8g20 #cbcg20 #g8 #g20
\n33 minutes ago via web
\n“Hey ho! G20’s gotta go!!! X-( (angry) http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60ks1p
\n36 minutes ago via API
\nG20 and Gay Pride today. Gay Pride is eerily quiet. Guess people are at home or at the protests. I knew I’d be… http:\/\/plurk.com\/p\/60krue
\n37 minutes ago via API
\nRT @rabbleca: Second wave diverting as well. Riot cops are set up south of Queen @yeeguan #g20 http:\/\/tweetphoto.com\/29294983
\n40 minutes ago via web
\nRT @rabbleca: First wave of protesters diverted west on Queen from uni. http:\/\/tweetphoto.com\/29294356
\n41 minutes ago via web
\nRT @CP24: #TTC subway south of Bloor on University and Yonge lines shutting down. No shuttle bus service. #ttcu
\n42 minutes ago via web
\nRT @Ella_Henry: Police shut down emergency room entrance #g20 http:\/\/twitpic.com\/206kvn
\n43 minutes ago via web
\nRT @rabbleca: About 30 cops are guarding the US embassy. http:\/\/tweetphoto.com\/29292630
\n43 minutes ago via web
\nRT @torontoist: What’s going on right now, at Queen’s Park, at the fence, at Eastern Avenue: http:\/\/bit.ly\/dhC8RK #G20
\n44 minutes ago via web
\nRT @g20updates: CP24 reports that two protesters have been arrested, armed with what police say are incendiary devices #G20
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @rabbleca: Photo blog: Toronto communities oppose G20 http:\/\/bit.ly\/9Y7uvO
\nabout 1 hour ago via web
\nRT @theonetruegigi: Ode to the #G20 with photos (his formatting is wonky – don’t look at me!) http:\/\/cot.ag\/9l7xrN #toronto\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\nOther updates can be found on Torontoist.com G20 Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n
I am greatly concerned about the arrests made this morning when police entered someone’s home without a warrant – see “G20 house raids, arrests”<\/a> and “G20: Protesters allege police illegally arrested organizers”<\/a> This is exactly what I feared would happen due to Ont. Reg. 233\/10. I have already looked and examined Ont. Reg. 233\/10 and the PWPA as mentioned in my previous blog<\/a>, and I do not see anywhere in the PWPA that the police are allowed to enter anyone’s home without a warrant. Any arrests following the entrance of someone’s home without a proper warrant would therefore be considered illegal. I think the people arrested this morning due to this illegal entrance by the police should look into a Charter challenge like Vasey has done.<\/p>\n
\u201cI requested a warrant at least five times from the cop who refused to show me his badge number, to which he said they have every legal right to do what they\u2019re doing and they didn\u2019t have to show us anything,\u201d Tammy Kovich, an activist who was in the raided home, wrote in a press release.<\/p>\n
They also allege that police did not allow them to get legal advice. \u201cI went out the front door to get a signal so that I could call for legal advice, and a cop grabbed me and pushed me back towards the house. A minute later, I was on the phone with the G20 legal people, and he grabbed my phone away from me and smashed it onto the front porch,\u201d Renee Henderson, said in a press release.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n