To Mayor Ken Sim and VPD Chief Adam Palmer:
We are appalled and outraged by the excessive police action yesterday in Vancouver against local activist Charlotte Kates. We demand answers from the VPD and Ken Sims regarding this ridiculous ramping up of intimidation of pro-Palestine advocates. Why did you need the Emergency Response Team, decked out in full tactical gear with an armoured vehicle, to execute one search warrant in a quiet residential house currently inhabited by one woman? Are you trying to convince others that those who support Palestine are dangerous and thus require this over-the-top repression? According to news sources, even her neighbours were horrified (and frightened) at the level of force employed.
All you have proven is that Vancouver police are quickly descending into the most despicable kind of tactics, and showing their own ineptitude and lack of respect for the most basic rights of people.
The local Palestinian community will remember this latest action (and others before) that have exposed the anti-Palestinian racism inherent in your administration.
Hanna Kawas, Chair
Canada Palestine Association – Vancouver
Coverage on AlMayadeen English: Pro-Palestine org enraged by Canadian police raid against activist | Al Mayadeen English