Vancouver, Feb 14 (DPA) Seven people were arrested in central Vancouver in clashes between police and anti-Olympic protesters, local news reports said quoting local police.
Television pictures showed protesters scuffling with police in riot gear and demonstrators smashing store windows during the confrontation here Saturday.
Police said protesters threw objects at police, spray painted cars and transit buses and intimidated pedestrians. A “criminal element” was using the anti-Olympic protest to carry out acts of violence, a spokesperson.
The protest by around 200 people came after a confrontation Friday evening with anti-Olympic protests before and during the opening ceremony of the winter Games.
In a statement, Vancouver police said a crowd estimated at 1,500 “engaged police” during a march downtown. Two police officers were slightly injured and one man arrested on a possible assault charge.
Several groups including members of the indigenous community, unionists, anti-capitalists, ecologists, civil libertarians and other activists have been opposing the Games.
After Friday’s opening ceremony, city mayor Gregor Robertson voiced disappointment that there had been violence.
“I think all in Vancouver expect there will be peaceful protests and a few individuals crossed that line,” he said.
International Olympic Committee communications director Mark Adams said: “We are totally in support of peaceful demonstrations but where we draw the line, and where most Canadians would also draw the line, is when people get violent.”
rounak