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Hamilton cops charge 20 in weekend anti-lockdown protests

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Police charged 20 people during separate anti-lockdown protests in Hamilton on the weekend.

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On Saturday, an anti-lockdown protest was held in the Kenilworth Ave. N.-Barton St. E. area with more than 400 people on hand. On Sunday, a ‘Hugs Over Masks’ event was held in the Bay St. S.-Main St. area, attracting more than 45 people.

Both events were in protest of the current COVID-19 restrictions and the majority of people were not wearing a mask or face covering, Hamilton Police say.

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Additionally, at both events, the number of attendees exceeded the number permitted for an outdoor gathering.

The organizers were present at both events, police say.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Durham Regional Police laid several charges against a protester in Whitby.

Officers were called to reports of a large gathering at the corner of Garden St. and Rossland Rd. E. in contravention of the provincial stay-at-home order. Officers assisted with traffic control and were forced to temporarily shut down the road.

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The protest continued on the road along Rossland Rd. E., led by a black decommissioned bus. The vehicle was stopped by officers and the operator was issued several tickets.

Police say the vehicle was being used by the operator despite the indoor and outdoor prohibition of organized public events and social gatherings.

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A 53-year-old Clarington man was charged with a slew of offences; further charges are expected in relation to the protest, police say.

durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca.

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