SEVERAL protestors were arrested Saturday afternoon, after they attempted to breach a police safety line and occupy an active rail corridor, Peel Regional Police said on Sunday.
On April 10, a group of protestors shut down traffic by occupying the area of Goreway Drive and Morning Star Drive. The demonstrators later moved north on Goreway Drive in an effort to block the railway lines just north of Brandon Gate Drive, at which point police intervened.
(The rally had been organized to protest the death of 62-year-old Ejaz Choudry last June. The SIU concluded its investigation of the case and decided that no criminal charges will be laid against the police officers involved in his death.)
As a result, seven individuals were arrested and taken to 21 Division for processing before being released. Any reported acts of property damage, violence or threats against members of the public, police officers or local businesses will be investigated and charges laid, police said.
“The members of Peel Regional Police support the right to peacefully gather and will ensure the safety of everyone involved, but we have a duty to respond to anything that jeopardizes the safety of demonstrators, local residents, police or crucial infrastructure” said Nishan Duraiappah, Chief of Peel Regional Police. “Unfortunately, a few of the protestors chose to put themselves and others at risk, and were arrested.”
Atif Jameel Qureshi, a 34-year-old man from the City of Mississauga, has been charged with disturbing the peace and obstruct a peace officer.
Nasim Asgari, a 23-year-old woman from the City of Toronto, has been charged with obstruct a peace officer.
Ryan Pelletier, a 27-year-old man from the City of Mississauga, has been charged with disturbing the peace, obstruct a peace officer and assault with the intent to resist arrest.
Ashraf Sahar, a 30-year-old woman from the City of Toronto, has been charged with obstruct a peace officer.
Shawn Amankwah, a 30-year-old man from the City of Mississauga, has been charged with disturbing the peace and obstruct a peace officer.
Anthony Bedward, a 26-year-old man of no fixed address, has been charged with obstruct a peace officer.
Kabir Joshi, a 27-year-old man from the City of Toronto, has been charged with obstruct a peace officer.
Under current COVID-19 restrictions from the Province of Ontario, the Region of Peel remains under the stay-at-home order. All gatherings, rallies, protests, and peaceful assembly must follow existing provincial regulations and City by-laws. Tickets may be issued to individuals or organizers who do not comply with this order, police said.
