Sunday, June 27, 2010

Aftermath

I am so disgusted right now. Disgusted and ashamed to call myself a citizen of Canada. The events that happened this weekend during the G20 Summit in Toronto has left a pock mock on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

We weren't treated as citizens. The police descended onto the city about a week before, and their presence was felt. About 22,000 police from around the country came and almost $1 billion was put into security costs for this meeting of world leaders. The costs of human rights and justice was far greater as I witnessed police brutality for the first time in my life.

The police charged at people who were peacefully protesting, illegally arresting, detaining and searching innocent people. Their actions were so atrocious and it is shameful that none of our leaders or politicians have commented. It's unclear whether the police were given orders or simply acted in a manner that made them the aggressors, but either way, the police were the real bullies here. I am so angry, words cannot even begin to describe the rage I, and many of Toronto residents are feeling.

The police were the ones in black. The police were the ones in riot gear, with gas masks, shields, bullet-proof vests, batons and guns. The police were the ones who charged, the ones who stomped and kneed bare flesh, who hit people without any protection. The police were the ones rounding up journalists and detaining innocent bystanders in the rain for hours. They were the ones telling lies and acting illegally, yet I doubt that there will be any repercussions for the actions witnessed today.

How did this happen? And why are our "leaders" staying silent still?

It's been a long day, and my emotions range from shock, anger, disgust, horror and shame. The summits may be over, but the scars are going to run deep. Toronto, you may not call yourself The Good anymore. Shame, shame, shame.

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