Logo at the Toronto Police Headquarters in Toronto, Friday, August 9, 2019. Christopher Katsarov / The Canadian Press
Toronto police say they will step up their downtown presence this weekend in anticipation of more than a dozen protests.
Police chief James Rammer says he has heard concerns about a possible speech of hatred and confrontation between the participants in the protest on Al Cuds Day, which is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, and those against the event.
Al Quds Day is an annual demonstration of support for the Palestinians and opposition to Israel.
Ramer says police officers for the Hate Crimes Unit will be on site to gather evidence to investigate any alleged hate crimes, hate speech or signs.
He says police will add more cameras and send officers who speak “different languages” to record what is being said among the crowds during the protests.
Ramer says the forces support peaceful demonstrations, but will not tolerate intimidation, harassment or hate-motivated behavior directed at specific communities.
He says police will also not allow civil disobedience or violence for hate behavior that crosses the line of crime, and that anyone who commits these acts should expect to be arrested and prosecuted.
Ramer says police do not expect any of the demonstrations to be linked to the “Looking for Thunder” protests in Ottawa.
He says there will be static and mobile road closures in downtown Toronto, but they will not be similar to those introduced during protests by truck convoys in the winter.
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