Police services crack down on "Freedom Rally" organizers

Two more police services in the region are announcing charges related to anti-mask rallies, following organizers of London's "Lawful Freedom Rally" being charged on Wednesday.

St. Thomas police saidtwo people face charges in connection to a Nov. 14 rally where about 200 people gathered to protest COVID-19 safetyprotocols.On Thursday afternoon, Aylmer police said a 43-year-old woman has been charged after organizing two "freedom"rallies, including one on Oct. 24 and another on Nov. 7 thatdrew 2,000 people to the small town.

In a news release, St. Thomas police didn't specify the exact charges but said more information will be released in the coming days. They described the people who will face charges as rally organizers.

People atthese ralliesmarched and gave speeches, many arguing that masking and other measures aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus infringe on personal freedoms.

The St. Thomas rally drew counter-protesters who held signs expressing concern that the gathering could lead to the spread COVID-19, a virus that has infected more than 350,000 Canadians and killed more than 11,000.

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Public health officials called the Aylmer rally dangerous, saying the combination of a large crowd of people, many not wearing masks,could fuel the spread of the virus.In the days leading up to the protest, the mayor of Aylmer declared a state of emergency.

In a news release, police said the woman linked to the Aylmer rallyis charged with four counts of failing to comply with regulations under the Reopening Ontario Act, including two counts of hosting a public gathering that exceeds the number of people permitted.

Police did not name the woman. She's expected to appear in provincial court on Jan.14.

If convicted, fines for breaking provincial orders start at $10,000.