Hamilton Police and City of Hamilton By-Law Enforcement laid 22 charges over the weekend at two protests that took place in the City.

On Sunday, May 16, 2021, a Hugs Over Mask event took place in the area of Hamilton City Hall with over 20 in attendance. Later in the day, a pro-Palestine protest took place at Hamilton City Hall with nearly 1,000 individuals in attendance.

At both events, the number of attendees exceeded the number permitted for an outdoor gathering. Eight individuals were charged at the Hugs Over Mask protest and 12 at the pro-Palestine event. In addition, two organizers of the pro-Palestine event were charged under the Reopening Ontario Act.

Due to the large crowds present at the pro-Palestine event, police will continue to review the incident in the coming days and may lay further charges.

Hamilton Police continue to investigate these events and encourage anyone with information to contact Hamilton Police at 905-546-4925 or alternatively to provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

Hamilton Police are reminding the public that participation in such events could result in charges being laid pursuant to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

Residents are encouraged to stay at home when ill, maintain a two-metre distance (six feet) from others, wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible, wash hands frequently with soap and water, and cover coughs or sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue to help stop the spread of COVID-19.