A Newfoundland fisherman is speaking out after he claims police broke his leg during a protest that delayed the provincial budget.
According to the fisherman, who wishes to remain anonymous, he was participating in a peaceful demonstration outside the House of Assembly in St. John’s on Wednesday. The protest was organized by the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) union to demand better compensation for fishers affected by the recent shrimp quota cuts.
The fisherman alleges that while he was standing on the steps of the building, a police officer pushed him from behind, causing him to fall and break his leg. He says he was then arrested and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The incident caused a delay in the provincial budget, as the House of Assembly was temporarily shut down while police investigated the situation. The budget was eventually passed later that evening.
The FFAW has condemned the use of force by police and is calling for an independent investigation into the incident. They argue that the protest was peaceful and that the police response was unnecessary.
Meanwhile, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has released a statement saying that they are aware of the allegations and are conducting an internal review. They have also stated that they will not be commenting further until the investigation is complete.
This incident has sparked debate about the use of force by police during protests and the need for better communication and understanding between law enforcement and demonstrators.
The fisherman, who is now recovering from his injuries, says he is disappointed that his peaceful protest turned violent and hopes that this incident will lead to positive changes in how protests are handled in the future.
The FFAW is also calling for the government to address the concerns of fishers and work towards finding a solution to the ongoing shrimp quota issue.
As the investigation into this incident continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful and respectful communication between all parties involved in protests.
