Organizers of the weekly pro-Palestine marches in Victoria, British Columbia, are escalating their concerns regarding the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) policies surrounding these events.

Complaint Filed with Police Complaint Commissioner

The organizers have announced their intention to file a formal complaint with the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC), outlining issues they believe warrant investigation. The complaint centers on the VicPD’s decision-making process regarding traffic safety during the marches, specifically how these decisions were reached over the initial two years of demonstrations.

Allegations of External Influence

A significant concern is whether external influences, particularly from organizations such as the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) or the World Jewish Congress (WJC), played a role in shaping VicPD’s operational choices. The organizers are seeking transparency and assurance that police actions are based solely on public safety considerations.

Police Escorts Ceased After 126 Weeks

The catalyst for the complaint stems from VicPD’s March 25th announcement that police escorts for the weekly pro-Palestine marches would cease. For the preceding 126 weeks, VicPD had dedicated over 10,000 officer hours to security and traffic management during these events.

The department justified the change by citing the need to manage officer workloads and prioritize overall public safety demands. Representatives from the City of Victoria, leaders from both the Muslim and Jewish communities, and the demonstration organizers were informed of this shift on March 28th, ahead of the April 4th march.

Organizers Dispute Police Narrative

However, the organizers vehemently dispute the VicPD’s narrative, asserting they never requested a police presence. They are requesting the OPCC investigate whether VicPD has a continuing obligation to provide reasonable traffic control resources and, if not, to receive a comprehensive legal analysis justifying their withdrawal.

Concerns Over Public Safety and Past Incidents

The organizers argue that the police have a fundamental responsibility to ensure public safety during demonstrations, and their withdrawal raises questions about their commitment to this principle. They allege inaccuracies in VicPD’s claims regarding consistent attendance at the marches.

They point to a rally on July 28th, 2025, where they claim no traffic support was provided, contradicting the assertion of 126 consecutive weeks of police attendance. During that rally, an officer allegedly threatened organizers with “significant personal liability” for injuries sustained by participants while refusing traffic control measures.

Allegations of Intimidation

This alleged behavior is viewed as intimidation and a demonstration of the police department’s unwillingness to fulfill its duty to protect protesters and the public. The organizers seek accountability for the alleged misconduct and a commitment from VicPD to ensure fair treatment of all demonstrators. They remain committed to peaceful protest and collaborative efforts with the police, based on mutual respect and clear responsibilities.