Vancouver Olympic Protest February 13 2010 Turns Violent

by Amy Judd | February 13, 2010 at 12:37 pm

8014 views | 81 Recommendations | 26 comments

A Vancouver Olymipc protest that took place Saturday February 13 2010 turned violent with about 200 protesters dressed all in black smashing the windows of a department store, the Hudson's Bay Company Olymipc Store, kicking and vandalizing cars parked along the street and causing havoc. Police showed up with batons, bullet-proof vests and some machine guns and attempted to get the situation under control and made arrests. Watch a video of the protest (graphic footage).

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Vancouver 2010: Olympic Opening Ceremony & Olympic Protests | Photo 07

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An organizer of the protest, Harsha Walia, said that about 200 protesters were gathered downtown, but Alissa Westergard-Thorpe of the Olympic Resistance Network, who disavowed her group from the violence of the protest, said this was:

"a day of autonomous actions, independent groups, with a diversity of tactics around the Olympics.''

She continued on to say that the arrests that were made were not of the people who committed violence, and she stated that the action of the protest was non-violent as no person was hurt.

"The people who were arrested were simply marching down the street trying to assert their charter rights with the police. The arrests were unnecessarily violent."
Westergard-Thorpe did not condemn the broken windows and vandalism that touched off the stand-off.

She said that the police were the ones who were violent as they beat people, and physically pushed the crowd back and dragged people on the ground as they threw them in paddy wagons.

"People were trying to assert their right to assemble and express themselves."

Local photographer Kris Krug tweeted that he was hit in the face with a riot shield after being pushed back by police as he was trying to take photos.

The police showed up in riot gear with yellow vests on and confronted the rioters all dressed in black marching down Georgia Street. The protesters took photos of the police. See some photos of the protest today.

According to reports, about 30 protesters are marching through the West End of Vancouver, but some are abandoning the protest, by taking off their black clothes and stuffing them in to garbage cans.

Representatives of the International Olympic Committee and Vancouver organizers jointly told a news conference they support protest as long as it is not violent.

"Where we draw the line and where I suspect Canadians draw the line is when people get violent," Mark Adams of the IOC told a daily briefing.

According to Rebecca Bollwitt:

John also said that people along the way were trying to help by putting the mailboxes back upright after they were knocked down. He said the police told the helpful citizens to leave the boxes alone as they may just get knocked over again

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Sudha Krishna

flagged this story as Breaking

at 12:51 on February 13th, 2010

Amy Judd, thanks for getting this story out so quickly. It will now show up on the home page for four hours. If new developments justify it, I'll renew this flag for another cycle.

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Throwu Injail (not verified)

at 13:11 on February 13th, 2010

Typical drool from the mouth of an unemployed professional protester like Alissa Westergard-Thorpe. I saw the videos. And lo and behold, it was the protesters who struck first, trying and succeeding in drawing a reaction from authorities so they can pathetically cry out police brutality and "the world is watching". See what pot does for you kids? I hope they all get what they deserve....

Mike. i was there (not verified)

at 18:17 on February 13th, 2010

All people should take a step back. Try and think for your self. When you say the world is watching you are a fool. How many people in the world can afford a tv to watch the olympics. Actually what people morally should be thinkn of is all the unlucky people. That suffer as we blindly waste. Trust me they are not watching tv. They are searching for food, water and shelter. And you then personally attack(which is a fallacy by the way) the people. Who have made it their endeavor to stand for what is right. Or at least to to try and find out what is. That are willing to fight the machine of mass destruction. You know what. They may not be right. But at least they realize that there is a problem with the world. And are willing to stand up to truley make the world a better place equally for all. And what i witnessed last night fri. feb12 was a gross violation of people civil rights. So they wont let us say. what we have to say. where we want to say it. That is a attack on our liberty. They are harming us, our freedom. Perhaps it is time for more drastic measures. Doing harm to any person is a crime. A corporation is not a person. And is not worthy of liberty at the cost of any person, domestic or foreign. Ever. Any corporation that tries to restrict the liberty of a single person should fall. Our own mainstream media is also commiting a fallacy with its coverage of this whole issue. This fallacy even has a funny name the "straw man argument" is an informal fallacy based on misrepresentation of an opponent's position. Namely focusing in on a flag(one single anarchy flag) in a video. Improperly defining that flag. And running with that and pumping into the ears of the ignorant. Repeatedly shame on you CTV news. You are ha, that can afford tv's. People wake up please!!! Anarchy by definition simply means: without leader, without enforced authority. but each individual has ABSOLUTE LIBERTY. I am a philosophy major. And to be honest. I would rather be an anarchist with my liberty. Than be a Canadian without it. Wrote this fast please dont judge grammer spelling. Think about it, question it. But make your own choice. Take action. And before its too late, without harming "people"

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 13:34 on February 13th, 2010

Too bad that this demeans the value of any protest.

peoplenotprofit (not verified)

at 13:37 on February 13th, 2010

there were two groups of protesters, those raising awareness about Canada's shameful qualities and then there were the anarchists.

Miss604

at 14:00 on February 13th, 2010

"Helpful citizens were reportedly putting mailboxes back upright and trying to clean up some of the mess. Police told them to leave them as they might get knocked over again." This is information I shared on my post as it was quoted from my husband. Please cite Miss604.com as the source of this information (as you have done with CTV Olympics). Thanks!

Amy Judd

at 14:09 on February 13th, 2010

No worries, done.

GC04 (not verified)

at 15:44 on February 13th, 2010

haha wow you are gullible, try undercover cops....funny

Kevin Romain (not verified)

at 14:01 on February 13th, 2010

It's a real shame that media like this covers the "violence" of activists when they damage property of multinational corporations, but ignores the violence of the police and the government against the homeless population of Vancouver. The loudest and most frequent chant at the demonstration today was "Homes, Not Games!" We refuse to ignore the poverty that the residents of the Downtown East Side are forced to live in by opressive government policies. This is the true violence at hand and the police, government, VANOC and all the olympic sponsors are complicit in this injustice. We demand that they be held accountable for spending 8 billion dollars on games for the rich while hundreds in our city live and die without a roof over their heads. For refusing to supply citizens with their basic human rights, I sure hope the ones responsible all get what they deserve...

Tomitheos Linardos

at 14:06 on February 13th, 2010

why are they covering their faces? if you protest in public why hide your identity? anonymous complaint letters are never taken seriously so why should this be any different?

Uwe Paschen

at 03:42 on February 14th, 2010

They are covering their faces because the media plasters them all over TV, News papers and Police stations, Their Boss at work or Dean at the University will use his or her power to sack them and this even though it is their constitutional right to protest, but if the protest is against the interest of those in power they will abuse their powers.

Further the Police is using Tear gas, Pepper Spray and other rather nasty things that are far worth then a baton and can leave you scared for life.

Do not blame them for protecting them self! Even Farmer protest nowadays use face cover and eye protection. For one you do not want your Banker to see your face, he will make your life hell.

Charlie NoSong (not verified)

at 14:19 on February 13th, 2010

Short video and photo documentation of the protest as it continued up Robson to Broughton street. www.flickr.com/photos/kharvey/4353835609/in/set-72157623428215122/

Barbara McPherson

at 15:19 on February 13th, 2010

The right to protest has been hard won and should be respected. Deliberately damaging property is hooliganism and should be dealt with as such. Many people have legitimate concerns about the huge cost of hosting this big party. Many more in the province are already seeing service cuts and tax increases.

MCBellecourt (not verified)

at 00:49 on February 14th, 2010

That is correct, Barbara. 14 schools are being closed in Prince George alone, and Prince George isn't all that big. The closure of those schools will have a negative impact on the kids in this city.

marianmo

at 15:32 on February 13th, 2010

the pictures i saw were of protesters damaging property , reports of police being sprayed with vinegar spat on and hitswere also made

i wonder what would happen if the organizersa of such protests were held financially responsible...

the protesters also caused the torch run to be diverted away from a group of veterans who had fought for their right to protest..........was this right

shame on those who dont respect the rights of others

Christopher Booty (not verified)

at 23:07 on February 13th, 2010

Fought for their right to protest? No one gives you that right. Once we believe that the right to protest can be given and taken, you have forfeited it to the will of your governing body, your body isn't your own anymore. This group of anarchists are fighting for their rights in the most direct way, and in the process of fighting, they know they don't need others to affirm the rights they already possess.

Uwe Paschen

at 23:52 on February 13th, 2010

Soldiers damage property and so does the police, Only they do it with government blessing. Those that did commit acts of violence in the protest where a very small group and some of it looked staged.

I have been part of organising protest and we always had a few bouncers with us to stop those that would get out of line, especially those that are paid to cause trouble by the very institution or business you protest against, this in an attempt to discredit the protest.

It is so easy to judge and condemn if you sit by the fire place.

Max888 (not verified)

at 15:44 on February 13th, 2010

These cowardly lowlifes don't understand that the world doesn't really care about Vancouver's dirty laundry. Do they think that the other countries of the world are going to drop everything and help the downton Eastside. Wrong What they are interested in in whether they would visit or do business the city, which the Olympics will help showcase.Those dollars will be invaluable in heping allieve the current problems that Vancouver has and low and behold may also provide jobs. I would be more concerned how Vancouver will be after the Olympics. Enjoy the fun and show the world that Vancouverites & Canadians are friendly and welcoming.

disthis (not verified)

at 15:46 on February 13th, 2010

these anarchists need a good shit kicking

yes! (not verified)

at 12:51 on February 14th, 2010

Exactly! You are totally correct in this statement. The majority of people do not support violent protesting. These "people" (and I use that term loosely)don't work, don't pay taxes, and collect the welfare which I pay for. Anyone who was there during the protest on the 12th could clearly see that there were 2 definate groups of protestors. Those who were protesting peacefully and those who were there just to cause trouble. I feel sorry for the peaceful protestors because their cause gets overshadowed by these thugs.

Uwe Paschen

at 16:19 on February 13th, 2010

Most protest have no violent intentions, sadly at times there are either a few joining in that intend to take advantage of such protest to display violence unpunished or there is at times also provocation by the authorities so they may have an excuse to crack down on the protest, and Finally I have seen protest where trouble maker where Paid by those against whom the protest was directed.

Pangea

at 17:40 on February 13th, 2010

I would have to say that the characterization of the actions of protestors as 'violent' is a bit suspect. Until riot police clashed with marchers - at which time both sides engaged in violent actions, though the police were the only ones using batons and shields - the only damage was to property.

This is not an insignificant issue, nor is it a legal means of protest, and thus could technically be catagorized as criminal. But terming protests that resulted in smashed windows and overturned newspaper boxes as violent is, at the very least, editorializing, and at worst, sensationalistic.

Now, by saying this I am not meaning to be crass or contradictory just for the sake of argument. I have also posted photos and a story about this topic as well so readers can decide for themselves.

Educated (not verified)

at 22:58 on February 13th, 2010

Well, it seems that the "anarchists" have proven their point. The broken store windows, vandalized cars, and other violent behaviours will certainly lead to more social spending on the streets of Vancouver.It is quite interesting seeing the propaganda being spewed by the media as well as the "anarchy" supporters. In the meantime, the legitimate protesters with true values and morals are paying the price by having their movement slandered.Despite what some of the self-proclaimed philosophers say, the world IS in fact watching. I would be willing to bet that the people in the some 80+ Nations participating in the games ARE watching and cheering for their athletes. The costs of the games are phenomenal. Action should have been taken months or even years ago towards the appropriate people, in particular, the BC Liberal government. These masked hoodlums serve no purpose. They promote no agendas other than their own. They are parasites living off of the social systems that they so vehemently protest against. The righteous do not hide behind masks. If you truly believe in what you are protesting, have some pride, shore your face, and walk with your heads held high.

bcgirl30 (not verified)

at 23:25 on February 13th, 2010

thank you max888, excellent points, lets contain the flow of idiocy. The world is a crooked, twisted, little empire all linked by money and unfortuneatly anarchists are just another form of asshole running around getting in other innocent peoples way. It pisses me off when those who "see" the world as it truly is, (corrupt) and then deliberately make it worse in the name of selfrighteousness. How about instead of contributing to the problems of our society,(such as vandalism), you become a part of the solution by taking responsibility for your own actions, (not cowering dishonorably behind masks), and contributing to the actual betterment of society.Volunteer your excess time and instead of damaging vehichles which do not belong to you, why not hand out soup, or knit sweaters? be productive or dare i say? useful?

Hostel Oscar (not verified)

at 00:20 on February 14th, 2010

The protester organizers say no one was hurt; but people on the side walk were threatened, chased and shoved. When do we draw the line to these so called " Demonstrators" ?The most outrageous thing I heard today was from Alissa Westergard-Thorpe on CTVs live interview:" This was a peaceful demonstration, the domestic damage done was a peaceful demonstration."Stop trashing our city. If you were to do something to make a difference about Vancouver's problem, you should working with the government, making demands, talking to people in city hall, not whining at robson square, having a go at athletes and chasing pedestrians away.

michelle matthews (not verified)

at 21:16 on February 14th, 2010

Point one. Yes the Olympic games is costly to host but what many of these 'activists' lack is an understanding of how business really works. The Olympics games has been a gold mine for companies. Which means all of that money coming will be taxed, which will go back to the government to help fund needed programs. Also with these businesses getting a large boost in resources this funds research and development divisions with in these companies which will no doubt lead to hiring and a stimulated economy. It's not just businesses in Vancouver either, businesses all over Canada and abroad. (School closures by the way have an offly lot to do with a dwindling student population over budjet cuts, not to say that is a factor but Canadians are reproducing at the rate of 1.5 chldren per family.)Point two.The Olympics do not promote war, they promote nationalism and nationalism is exactly what this country needs to pick up the spirt of its people. Canada is not like third world countries and no person with any common sense should compare the two. It truly is sad the state of such countries but they have put themselves in that postition not canadians. The capitalism agruement (meaning against) is just wrong. What these individuals don't realize is these countries have been killing eachother for many years long before large businesses moved in. No one will ever be able to stop the atrocities happening in these nations. In comparision Canada is heaven on Earth. Point three. If these activists care so much for the issues why would they cover thier face? Surely they must be proud of their cause and willing to face the meaningless discomfort in comparision to those whom they are speaking on behalf face on a daily basis. Point four. To ignore the violence that occured at the hands of their own individuals but still hold judgement to the police force (that keeps the peace with in our borders) is exactly the mentalaty that breeds war. Just look at Isreal and Palestine, they both claim to be the victim, they both acuse eachother of being monsters, but the cold fact is they kill eachother, they commit the same sins. My advice to these people is to become as educated as possible before holding these demonstrations. An education in business, world histories, political science, and anthropolgy, as well a specialty in economics could possibly create an activist that could actually do some good. A worldly education is the key to prosperity. If you ever actually get to the end of this, I am a proud Canadian and as you might have guessed a Conservative party supporter. Who also is not an english major!

Just a guy (not verified)

at 16:24 on February 23rd, 2010

Re: the Olympic protests. It worked. Let's face it. The tactic of sending in agents provocateurs to disrupt/discredit legitimate protests is an old one. It keeps on working too! The news cameras focused on anything BUT the signs and voices of legitimate peaceful protestors, at least in the news clips I saw. What concerned individuals have to do is find new and improved ways of using wise, loving, but effective means to get people's attention and get the message across. It might take alot. The slumber of ignorance and greed is like an Opium addiction. People don't WANT to wake up. Self absorbtion seems comfy and warm. Waking up to the truth seems cold and frightening. Who wants to accept that their comfort zones endanger other peoples welfare. Locally and nowadays globally. It takes effort to care for community. It takes personal risk and a willingness to embrace temporary discomfort, in order to make a significant and lasting change. A future that is safe and kind. I so long to see ALL of humanity happy, joyous and free. It seems to be available to those who can afford it, but they wont share the means for others to get there.