Saturday, February 13, 2010

Corporate Olympic Torch Relay Blocked in East Vancouver

On the final day of the 2010 Winter Olympic Torch Relay, the torch was blocked twice in East Vancouver. The first blockade occurred at around 9:30AM when some 100 protesters successfully blocked the torch at Victory Square (Cambie and Hastings). Despite having a large number of police, including motorcycle and horse-mounted cops, protesters were able to block Hastings Street and force the torch to change its route, completely bypassing the scheduled event at Victory Park and abandoning all their 'pro-Olympic supporters' there as anti-Olympic protesters chased the torch down Pender Street.
Shortly after, scores of protesters on Commercial Drive were able to blockade the torch and forced it to reroute along Clark Street. Protesters strung twine and barbed wire across Commercial Drive, then moved to intercept the torch after it had been rerouted. Vancouver horse-mounted police blocked Commercial Drive while dozens of foot and bicycle cops mobilized in the area.

In both cases community members and those participating in the anti-Olympics convergence were able to organize and disrupt the last leg of the torch relay prior to the opening ceremony held later that day at BC Place Stadium.

via no2010

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