Hamilton,
29
November
2020
|
17:26
America/New_York

Three Males Charged in Hugs Over Masks Protest in Downtown Hamilton

Hamilton Police have charged three males, including the organizer, of a Hugs Over Masks event that took place in the area of Bay Street South and Main Street West today.

On November 29, 2020, over 35 people attended the area for a Hugs over Masks event to protest current COVID restrictions.

Prior to the event, Hamilton Police identified the organizer and informed him that the planned gathering would be breaching offences under the Reopening Ontario Act and that charges would apply. The organizer went ahead with the event.

The Hamilton Police Service attended the event and confirmed that the number of attendees exceeded the number permitted for an outdoor gathering. The organizer was present at the event.

CHARGED:

  • 26-year-old male, Hamilton (Court Date: January 11, 2021)

CHARGE:

  • Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order as per Ontario Regulation 364/20, of the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020, section 10.1(1)

A person convicted of this offence is liable to a minimum fine of $10,000.

CHARGED:

  • 48-year-old male, Hamilton
  • 72-year old male, Hamilton

CHARGE:

  • Fail to comply with a continued section 7.0.2 order as per Ontario Regulation 364/20, of the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020, section 10 (1) (a)

Hamilton Police are reminding the public that participation in such events could result in charges being laid pursuant to the Reopening Ontario 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.