TORONTO MARIJUANA DEMONSTRATION TURNS NASTY

TORONTO -- A marijuana demonstration turned nasty yesterday when at
least two people were detained during scuffles with city police at a
park near the provincial legislature. The clash started after police
- - accompanied by municipal bylaw officers and parks officials - shut
down a pro-pot rally when Toronto organizers failed to produce the
necessary permits and insurance.

"The major issue is the fact that we couldn't get any insurance," said
organizer Marko Ivancicevic.

"Basically, the last two years we've tried to get the (event)
insurance but they keep denying us because it is a marijuana-based
event."

Several hundred demonstrators were barred from accessing a rented
stage and using any sound equipment, including microphones and
speakers, pulling the plug on a scheduled concert by six pro-marijuana
bands.

Tempers flared when a young male had his glasses smashed as he was
restrained by officers after propping a protest sign reading, Legalize
It and Weed My Lips, against a statue of King Edward.

"As far as I know, my friend was just standing there holding a sign
and then next thing I know, the cops are putting him in the back of a
paddy wagon," said Dan Adams.

"He didn't do anything."

A second protester, also holding a placard, tripped over a skateboard
as he was put into a nearby cruiser, prompting jeers from the crowd.

No names were released but police later said there were no charges and
those detained were quickly released.

Another demonstrator, Dominick Cramer -- who runs the non-profit
Toronto Compassion Centre, which provides therapeutic marijuana to
people who are sick -- was warned by police that he too could face
arrest after he got into a shouting match with officers.

"This is ridiculous," Cramer said.

"The cops for some reason decided to get violent and threatening kids
that were just holding a sign . . . He wasn't smoking up, he was just
holding a sign."

But police spokesperson Sgt. Joseph Gataveckas said,"Like any protest,
(officers are) there to keep the peace and to make sure that no one
breaks the law," Gataveckas added.

There were no such problems at a similar demonstration by about 40
marijuana enthusiasts in Niagara Falls.