Black Diaspora Coalition demonstration moved to Ottawa Police Service headquarters; portion of Elgin Street closed
Posted Nov 21, 2020 04:36:00 PM.
A demonstration to call attention to racial injustice continues in front of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) headquarters at 474 Elgin Street.
This protest comes after OPS shut down an earlier demonstration around 4 a.m. Saturday, which had been blocking the intersection of Nicholas Street and Laurier Avenue since Thursday afternoon. 12 people were charged during the take down.
A few hours after the incident, the Justice for Abdirahman coalition put out a call for supporters to join them in front of OPS headquarters to wait for the release of all 12 people.
11 of Algonquin, Black brothers and sister & Allies have been arrested. We are not leaving the Ottawa Police Station until each of our people have been released. SHOW UP AND STAND UP with us #OPSDECEIT #BLM #LandBack
— JusticeForAbdirahman (@J4Abdirahman) November 21, 2020
Dozens of people are in attendance outside the headquarters, and as a result OPS services at 474 Elgin Street, including the collision reporting centre are temporarily closed.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend either 3343 St Joseph Boulevard or 211 Huntmar Drive if they need to file a report in person. Both locations will be open today until 6 p.m.
Elgin Street is also shut down in both directions between Argyle Avenue and Catherine Street.
The duration of the closure is unknown. Police are asking motorists to avoid the area.
