The Toronto Police Service has announced that it will be enforcing a court order granted on July 2nd, requiring demonstrators at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at the University of Toronto to dismantle the site by 6 p.m. on July 3rd.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Markus Koehnen emphasized that while there is no evidence of violence or antisemitism among the encampment participants, the protest has disrupted the university’s ability to control King’s College Circle.
Justice Koehnen highlighted the importance of property owners being able to dictate what occurs on their property, expressing concerns that allowing protesters to take over could lead to further chaos and potential takeovers by other groups.
He stated that his order grants the police authority to arrest and remove anyone who is aware of it but chooses to disobey it.
Following the court order, the police confirmed that the 6 p.m. deadline specifically applies to the protesters and that the operational details will not be disclosed, as their actions are at their own discretion as outlined in the court order.
Related Stories
Protesters at the encampment on the evening of July 2nd did not clarify their intentions regarding compliance with the court order, although some were seen removing signs from the outside fences.
The protesters initially established the camp on May 2nd and have stated their intention to remain until the university meets their demands, which include transparency and divestment from companies profiting from Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The court ruling acknowledged the university’s existing procedures for addressing divestment requests and offered an expedited process to the protesters.
