Protesters charged with assault, violating public health act after anti-mask rally in Calgary

Update Dec. 21, 2020: Five criminal charges and 30 tickets were handed out over the weekend, police say.

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Police say two people have been charged following a rally against public health restrictions in Calgary on Saturday.

The protests have been a weekly occurrence in the city for months as tensions have mounted over measures intended to slow the spread of COVID-19 and how those measures are being enforced.

Police say near the end of Saturday's rally, an officer was struck with a hockey stick and then a group of protesters closed in on the officers trying to manage the altercation an incident that was captured on video.

Two individuals are facing multiple charges of assaulting a police officer, obstruction of justice and violating the public health act.

• Anti-mask protests show need for better public health messaging, Calgary researcher says

Last Saturday's protest also saw tickets handed out, but no charges, after what police described as a "scuffle" between protesters.

Several hundred protesters gathered again on Sunday to march down Stephen Avenue.One protester carried a sign reading "TERROR, defund the police."

Police say more information about this weekend's enforcement measures will be provided on Monday, as multiple agencies, like bylaw,are involved in ensuring the public follow the COVID-19 restrictions.

The weekly protests have been criticized by both Calgary's mayor and Alberta's premier.