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Police say they will be ‘following up’ with anti-pandemic restrictions rally organizers, participants

Fines for organizers of public events can range up to $10,000
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Greater Sudbury Police Services have confirmed that they will be following up with the organizers and certain participants from Saturday's "Worldwide Rally for Freedom" that was held near Bell Park. (File)

Greater Sudbury Police Services have confirmed that they will be following up with the organizers and certain participants from Saturday's "Worldwide Rally for Freedom" that was held near Bell Park. No charges have been announced as of yet.

Close to 200 Sudburians turned out on Saturday to rally against pandemic restrictions.

In advance of the May 15 rally, GSPS spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn said that rally organizers and participants have shown a "complete disregard" for provincial orders, citing the Emergency Management and Civil Protections Act.

"The organizers and participants of these rallies have shown a complete disregard for the current orders after being educated multiple times and as such will be subject to enforcement ranging from $750 to $10,000," Dunn told Sudbury.com on May 13, two days prior to Saturday's rally.

Members of the GSPS Police Liaison Team were in attendance in plainclothes at the rally on Saturday, along with frontline officers and members of the city's bylaw enforcement.

"We respect everyone’s right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly and our overall goal is to ensure public safety during an event. The safety of those in attendance and the safety of our officers and CGS by-law enforcement officers on scene is paramount," said Dunn in a May 17 email to Sudbury.com.

"Members of our Police Liaison Team will be following up with the organizers and identified participants."

Fines associated with organizing a public event is $10,000 and the fine for participating in an organized event is $750 ($880 after surplus charges).