Organizers and protesters of Black Lives Matter (BLM) Toronto gathered on Sunday for a press conference where they condemned Toronto Police Service’s reaction to what they called their peaceful protest in downtown Toronto on Saturday.

Three individuals were arrested and charged with mischief following the defacing of several statues in the city, including the statue of Canada’s first Prime Minister Sir. John A. Macdonald.

Protesters on Saturday threw pink paint on the statue, and called for defunding the police during the protest.

Organizer Syrus Marcus Ware said those arrested were never given access to legal counsel and they were asked to sign documents without explaining what they were signing.

Toronto Police tweeted on Saturday “The 3 individuals arrested today for alleged vandalism were provided access to Counsel. Hours ago, they declined to sign the release forms to leave custody. They will be released as soon as they sign, and we would like them to do so.”

Ravyn Wngz, an organizer with the movement said the protesters were held for too long without an explanation and without being a threat to the community.

Lawyer Saron Gebresellassi tweeted early Sunday morning that all three detainees had been released and were scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 30.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/7194147/protesters-charged-toronto-black-lives-matter-protest/

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