Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson has declared a state of emergency in response to protests against anti-Covid restrictions that have led to the occupation and paralysis of the Canadian capital.
Numerous vehicles and tents have been blocking traffic for a week now, with thousands of citizens pouring into the streets.
The mayor admitted that the situation is "out of control, with a number of demonstrators far greater than that of the police", and believes that the protests pose a serious threat to the safety of residents.
Protesters have promised to continue the occupation until the anti-Covid measures are lifted.
The protest was triggered by truckers against the requirement of vaccines for those crossing the border with the US, and involves other Canadian cities, such as Toronto and Quebec.
(Unioneonline / vl)