13 pro-Palestinian protesters charged for blocking railway in Vancouver: police

VANCOUVER — Thirteen people have been charged with mischief over accusations they blocked the Vancouver Canadian National Railway line for hours during what police said was an unlawful protest last May.

The Vancouver Police Department says in a news release the BC Prosecution Service approved charges on Monday, following the police investigation into the pro-Palestinian protest on May 31.

Police said then that they responded to the scene where 100 protesters were blocking rail line and traffic on Grandview Highway in East Vancouver.

Police said protesters refused multiple requests to move and some of them became “hostile” with officers.

Fourteen people were originally arrested during the protest, although the department said 13 adults now face charges.

The protesters sent out a news release on the day of the protest, demanding sanctions against Israel for the war in Gaza.

The accused will appear in court on Sept. 9.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 13, 2024.

The Canadian Press