2 arrested for uttering threats during protest at North Vancouver Islamic centre, RCMP say
Mounties in North Vancouver say two people have been arrested in connection to "ongoing demonstrations" at a local Islamic centre.
The arrests stem from an incident that occurred on Friday, Nov. 18, at Ghadir Cultural and Educational Centre. North Vancouver RCMP said in a news release that about 50 protesters "disrupted a planned service," with some protesters spitting on, threatening and assaulting worshippers.
Mounties did not name the two people arrested, but said one was arrested for uttering threats and assault, while the other was arrested for uttering threats.
"The investigations continue, and more arrests are expected," police said.
Police also did not elaborate on the reason for the protest, but a post on the Islamic centre's Facebook page includes a detailed account of events from the centre's perspective.
The post describes the protesters as "a group of violent Iranians, who, under the guise of protesting against the Islamic Republic of Iran, shamelessly attacked the Center and subjected the Center and the attendees of its program, including the young children attending the educational program, to verbal and physical abuse."
It goes on to note that the centre is a registered Canadian charity known for helping Iranian immigrants new to Vancouver, and that it is "free of political affiliations and motives and funded solely by its members."
For their part, police said they are "working closely with community leaders, partner agencies and the RCMP Divisional Liaison Team to promote lawful and peaceful protests."
"Our main concerns are for the safety of the public and for the demonstrators’ rights to freedom of expression," said Const. Mansoor Sahak, in the release.
"We will not tolerate abusive and criminal behaviour."
Police said they are "appealing for calm in the community" and will fully investigate any reports of assault, property damage or intimidation.
Anyone with information on the Nov. 18 incidents or related investigations is asked to call North Vancouver RCMP at 604-985-1311, police said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Pro-Palestinian protests roiling U.S. colleges escalate with arrests, new encampments and closures
The student protests of Israel's war with Hamas that have been creating friction at U.S. universities escalated Tuesday as new encampments sprouted and some colleges encouraged students to stay home and learn online, after dozens of arrests across the country.
Tabloid publisher says he pledged to be Trump campaign's 'eyes and ears' during 2016 race
A veteran tabloid publisher testified Tuesday that he pledged to be Donald Trump 's 'eyes and ears' during his 2016 presidential campaign, recounting how he promised the then-candidate that he would help suppress stories that had the potential to harm the Republican's election bid.