Police respond to justice camp over Nazi saluter

REGINA The protesters at the Justice For Our Stolen Children camp faced what they’re calling intimidation on Saturday, after an apparent counter-protester raised his hand in a Nazi salute and yelled “Heil Hitler!”

The campers captured the action on video and called police, who were dispatched to the scene across from the Saskatchewan Legislative Building at 1:36 p.m.

Officers confirmed that the 56-year-old man had a kitchen knife, which they took from him. He then voluntarily packed up a small tent he had set up and left Wascana Park.

Longtime protest-camper Prescott Demas said he had asked the man why he was there. “He said ‘I’m protesting,’ ” Demas recalled. “He said his German rights are being violated.”

Camp supporter Chasity Delorme said she felt afraid, especially as there were children in the area.

“We noticed that it was actually safety issues and threats and racial comments made toward Prescott and the camp and the people here,” she said. “It was definitely a safety concern when there’s a weapon involved and racial slurs being expressed.”

She she said she found it “problematic” that the police said the man also had a right to protest, and that he was exercising his freedom of speech. Police confirmed in an email to media that they advised the man that he was free to remain in the park, but that any alleged threats would be investigated.

Asked if the man’s behaviour is being investigated as a hate crime, police spokesperson Elizabeth Popowich said only that the matter is still under investigation.

Demas said he agrees that people have a right to protest, but he suggested that “instigating ” against a peaceful protest crosses a line. He said people honk and yell stuff at the camp every night, but they are rarely as confrontational.

Camp supporter Robyn Pitawanakwat said she’d welcome anyone wanting to protest any issue, but intimidation and hate speech are not welcome at the camp.