VANCOUVER Police said on Saturday they were forced to arrest three protesters after they blocked a downtown intersection for several hours and refused multiple requests by police to leave.

They were among approximately 50 people who marched from the Vancouver Art Galley to the Law Courts Saturday afternoon, then occupied the intersection at Hornby and Smithe Street.

The protest was peaceful. The three people were arrested for mischief and intimidation by blocking a roadway – both Criminal Code offences. They were taken to the Vancouver Jail and released on undertakings after they agreed to attend court at a later date.

According to media reports, the protest was organized by Extinction Rebellion Vancouver who were demanding government action on environmental issues.