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
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.