RCMP used 'excessive force' at Quebec summit: report | CBC

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RCMP used 'excessive force' at Quebec summit: report
Last Updated Thu, 13 Nov 2003 17:48:12

OTTAWA - Some RCMP officers were too aggressive with protesters at the Summit of the Americas conference in Quebec City 2½ years ago, according to an interim report by a watchdog group.

Mounties did not give demonstrators enough warning before firing tear gas to break up a crowd, says the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP. Several hours of videotape were reviewed as part of the investigation.

"RCMP members used excessive and unjustified force in releasing tear gas to move the protesters when a more measured response could have been attempted first," concludes Shirley Heafey, the group's chair.

She recommends officers be given better instructions for dealing with crowds, that action be taken against some Mounties, and that an apology be issued to demonstrators.

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