2 men charged as protests continue in nation's capital

Update| In 2023, the charges against Matthew Dorken were withdrawn and Andre J. Lacasse was sentenced to 21 days in jail and three years probation.

Ottawa police have charged two men with offences related to the ongoing protests happening across the city's downtown core.

Over the past several days there have been numerous reports of vandalism, harassment, assaults and threatsagainst residents and city property, as thousands of peoplegathered to protest various COVID-19 health mandates.

On Sunday, police charged 37-year-old Andre J. Lacasseof Ottawa with carrying a weapon to a public meeting.

A 29-year-old man from Ottawa was also arrested on Tuesday, but police say it stemmed from an incident that occurred Saturday.At the time, police said officers did not arrest the man in order to avoid a larger confrontation. Matthew Dorkenis charged with mischief under $5,000.

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Police and city bylaw officershave been criticized by residents and academics for their handling of the protests and lack of charges and tickets against protesters.

But, police chief Peter Slolysaid earlier this week that officers have been assessing the situation and avoiding arrests and confrontations so as to prevent possible riots, serious injuries or deaths. He promised those who commit crimes in the city will be investigated and prosecuted.

In addition to the two arrests, police say there are currently 13 active investigations. There were alsoeight complaints to the protest-specifichotlinepolice set up, with three being investigated by the police's Hate and Bias Crime Unit.

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Police also said there was "some progression" into an investigation involving the desecration of the National War Memorial.

"We want to be very clear, both for the current demonstrations and any planned demonstrations: Illegal activity will not be tolerated," Ottawa police wrote in a press release Tuesday night.

Protesters'numbers continued to shrink Tuesday, with police estimating there areapproximately 50 people left onParliament Hill and another 200 nearby.