Pubdate: Thu, 02 Jul 2015
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Geordon Omand
Page: A9

FOUR ARRESTED DURING CANNABIS DAY PROTEST

The organizer of an annual marijuana protest in downtown Vancouver is 
blaming the city for an outbreak of violence that led to several 
protesters being arrested on Canada Day.

Longtime pot activist Jodie Emery said this is the first time in the 
20-year history of Cannabis Day the event has experienced any 
confrontation with police.

"The city has been so tolerant before," she said, speaking outside 
the Vancouver Art Gallery where the protest was being held. "I don't 
understand where this is coming from."

Bystanders said they witnessed officers descend on the gathering of 
hundreds of people around noon. A scuffle ensued before at least one 
man was led away in handcuffs. Angry crowds chanted as they followed 
the officers around the street corner where they loaded a man into a 
police van.

Police initially said they had arrested two men, but an email sent 
later confirmed four people had been arrested and that investigators 
expected to lay charges against each of them.

Spokesman Const. Brian Montague alleged in a release one of the men 
was "overtly" selling marijuana to minors and failed to stop after 
being warned.

"Police specifically informed (organizers) that the open selling or 
giving away of illegal items to young people could result in arrest," 
read the release. It added that police were especially concerned 
after April's 4/20 marijuana celebrations, which they say sent a 
significant number of people to hospital.

Joshua Helsdon reported being pepper sprayed while recording the 
incident on his camera. He described police pulling and choking 
protesters who had encircled the marijuana vendor in order to prevent 
his arrest.

"I was 15 feet away when they decided to Mace me," said Helsdon, 
rubbing his red-rimmed eyes. "It's unbelievable, unbelievable."

Cannabis Day has taken place peacefully in downtown Vancouver over 
the past two decades.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom