When Bon Cops Go Bad

Over at Torontoist, they have a disturbing video from the SPP Summit protest in Montobello. It apparently shows a peaceful demonstration line organized by CUPE (I think) that is being infiltrated by agents provocateurs from the police. Several men with their faces covered with bandannas have rocks in their hands and appear to want to provoke a riot so that the undisguised police in riot gear will attack the peaceful protesters. This, of course, would enable the three powerful men in the summit to talk about increased needs for security, control and anti-constitutional, anti-democratic shows of force.

Fortunately, Dave Coles, president of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, outs the cops who quickly make a small show of "attacking" the uniformed police and are quickly and quietly led away.

This is blatant and shameful behaviour on the part of police. Attempting to incite a riot as opposed to helping to create a peaceful environment in which ordinary citizens can voice their constitutionally protected opposition is wrong, wrong, wrong.

So my question is, from how high up in the hierarchy of power did the "suggestion" come that created this situation. Given the culture of absolute control in the PMO, one wonders...

Update (24 Aug 2007): Under pressure from all the publicity, the Sûreté du Québec has admitted that these men were indeed their agents. Now, the RCMP, Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day, and the PMO all have some 'splaining to do!

[Technorati tags: spp | security and prosperity partnership | montebello | police | riot | agents provocateurs]