Several activists have initiated legal proceedings against the University of Calgary, members of the Calgary Police Service, and the City of Calgary concerning the dispersal of pro-Palestinian protesters on the U of C campus two years ago. The nine plaintiffs, who claim they sustained injuries during the incident on May 9, 2024, allege that their charter rights were violated when officers in riot gear used batons, pepper spray, and stun grenades to remove them from a green space in front of the MacEwan Student Centre.
Background of the Protest
The protesters had been demonstrating against what they described as the University of Calgary's complicity in Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have reportedly resulted in nearly 73,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. The protest followed Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 Israelis. By the time police intervened shortly after 11 p.m., many of the original 150 demonstrators had left, but about 20 individuals formed a line in front of officers while other activists and journalists remained nearby.
Details of the Lawsuit
The statement of claim names several police officers, including unidentified individuals referred to as John Doe, who are allegedly involved in actions causing injuries or misconduct. Former police chief Mark Neufeld is also named as a defendant. The lawsuit describes the police deployment as an excessive use of force against a peaceful encampment organized by U of C students, alumni, faculty, parents, and others to denounce Israel's military actions and demand the university's divestment from corporations complicit in the conflict.
Allegations of Excessive Force
The plaintiffs assert that the Calgary Police Service used unnecessary and unreasonable force during the dispersal, resulting in injuries such as concussions, bruises, and abrasions. They claim that police were aware the activists had dismantled their encampment and were preparing to leave when the attack occurred. The lawsuit further alleges that former Chief Neufeld is liable for the officers' actions and publicly stated that no one was injured during the incident, which the plaintiffs claim he knew was false. Neufeld also allegedly wrongfully claimed that protesters were dispersed due to violent provocation.
Specific Incidents Cited
According to the statement, while unknown students threw two plastic water bottles at police officers, they did so after officers had advanced and struck tents with batons earlier in the evening. The lawsuit emphasizes that police did not advance in response to the water bottles. The defendants, the plaintiffs argue, knew or should have known that their actions violated the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and were intended to intimidate activists and deter future protests.
The legal action seeks damages for the alleged charter violations and aims to hold the involved parties accountable for the use of force during the protest dispersal.
