Civil Rights At G20:
Canada Day Demonstrators Support Detainees

"We unequivocally condemn the acts of vandalism and violence," declared Amnesty International in its call for a public inquiry, but added, "At a time when the public should be encouraged to actively engage in debate and discussion about pressing global issues, the security measures that were put in place... narrowed the space for civic expression and cast a chill over citizen participation in public discourse."

The G20 Summit saw the largest mass arrests in Canadian history, with over 1000 people arrested between June 18 and June 28—roughly eight times the number of arrests at the last G20 summit in London England, and twice the number of people detained during Canada's 1970 FLQ October Crisis, when the War Measures Act was triggered.

The numbers of arrests increased drastically, as violent acts carried out by a small group of hooded persons, resulted in police encircling crowds and arresting everyone without warning. Peaceful protesters, journalists, human rights monitors and even passers-by were caught in the mass arrests and detained for allegedly disturbing the peace.

"Canadians are entitled to policing that does not undermine constitutional values," stated the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA). More than 50 CCLA human rights monitors were on the streets during the Summit, adding, "In an effort to locate and disable 100-150 vandals, the police disregarded the constitutional rights of thousands."

Those arrested describe inhumane conditions inside the temporary detentions centre. Allegations include that police denied detainees blankets, water, food, medication and phone calls. The detention cells were packed with over 40 people.

The Ontario McGuinty government decision to pass a temporary Regulation under the Public Works Protection Act has come under fire. The Regulation was quietly passed June 2, 2010 but not published in the Gazette until after it expired.

The public and the media were initially told Thursday June 17 the temporary regulation allowed police to arrest anyone within 5 metres of the G20 security fence who failed to show identification. But after the regulation expired and over 1000 arrests has been made, it was revealed that no five-metre perimeter zone ever existed. The regulation only applied to the fenced-in G20 perimeter. Asked if there actually was a five-metre buffer zone, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair smiled and said, "No, but I was trying to keep the criminals out."

Dave Vasey, who was arrested outside the G20 perimeter said he will be filing a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of "this dangerous police-state law."

Toronto Mayor David Miller and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty both defended police actions during the G20 Summit. "In the very big picture, our police did a commendable job," Miller said.

The police investigating their own actions has not satisfied concerns. All four federal opposition parties in Canada's House of Commons have now backed to the call for an independent inquiry, making a federal inquiry likely. In Ontario, both the NDP and Green Party support an independent inquiry, while the Conservatives support the McGuinty Liberals position there is no need for an inquiry.