{"id":9537,"date":"2023-08-23T05:51:58","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T05:51:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmontondailynews.com\/?p=9537"},"modified":"2023-08-23T05:51:58","modified_gmt":"2023-08-23T05:51:58","slug":"no-charges-yet-after-violent-clashes-in-edmontons-eritrean-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmontondailynews.com\/no-charges-yet-after-violent-clashes-in-edmontons-eritrean-community\/","title":{"rendered":"No charges yet after violent clashes in Edmonton’s Eritrean community"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Police responded to clashes across the city over the weekend, during which stones, bricks and other objects were hurled at officers in riot gear. <\/p>\n
Published Aug 21, 2023<\/span> \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 16\u00a0hours ago<\/span> \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read<\/span> <\/p>\n Toggle full screen mode<\/span> Previous Gallery Image<\/span> <\/p>\n Police in riot gear block anti Eritrean government protestors near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday Aug. 19, 2023. Photo by David Bloom<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/David Bloom\/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Smashed windows are visible on a mini van and a business near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police in riot gear block anti Eritrean government protestors near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Spent rounds of 40 mm Riot OC Powder Muzzle Blast are visible on the street following a confrontation between police in riot gear and anti Eritrean government protestors near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police try and control a riot that broke out between riot between anti Eritrean government protestors (pictured in blue) and pro government Eritrean supporters, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Smashed windows are visible at a business near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police try and control a riot that broke out between riot between anti Eritrean government protestors (pictured in blue) and pro government Eritrean supporters, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police try and control a riot that broke out between riot between anti Eritrean government protestors (pictured in blue) and pro government Eritrean supporters, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police officers move into position after a riot broke out between pro government Eritrean supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police respond to a riot between Eritrean government supporters supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police try and control a riot that broke out between riot between anti Eritrean government protestors (pictured in blue) and pro government Eritrean supporters, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Smashed windows are visible at a business near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police try and control a riot that broke out between pro government Eritrean supporters (pictured in orange) and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n A riot between anti Eritrean government protestors (pictured in blue) and pro government Eritrean supporters broke out during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n A smashed vehicle window is visible following a riot that broke out between pro government Eritrean supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n A riot that broke out between pro government Eritrean supporters (pictured in orange) and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police respond to a riot between Eritrean government supporters supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police push back pro government Eritrean supporters (in orange) after a riot broke out the group and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police push back pro government Eritrean supporters (in orange) after a riot broke out the group and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police respond to a riot between Eritrean government supporters supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n EPS SWAT Team members move into position after a riot broke out between pro government Eritrean supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police in riot gear look on as a children’s soccer game continues in the background at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, in Edmonton Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. A riot broke out between pro government Eritrean supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors during the soccer tournament promoting world peace.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police push back pro government Eritrean supporters (in orange) after a riot broke out the group and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police respond to a riot between Eritrean government supporters supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police in riot gear look on as a children’s soccer game continues in the background at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, in Edmonton Saturday Aug. 19, 2023. A riot broke out between pro government Eritrean supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors during the soccer tournament promoting world peace.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police respond to a riot between Eritrean government supporters supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police respond to a riot between Eritrean government supporters supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police push back pro government Eritrean supporters (in orange) after a riot broke out the group and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police in riot gear look on as a children’s soccer game continues in the background at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, in Edmonton Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. A riot broke out between pro government Eritrean supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors during the soccer tournament promoting world peace.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police push back pro government Eritrean supporters (in orange) after a riot broke out the group and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police respond to a riot between Eritrean government supporters supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police respond to a riot between Eritrean government supporters supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n A man leaves a protest with yogurt on his face after he says he was “gassed” by police near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police in riot gear block anti Eritrean government protestors near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n A man leaves a protest with yogurt on his face after he says he was “gassed” by police near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. <\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Next Gallery Image<\/span> Toggle gallery captions<\/span> All 35 Photos for Gallery <\/p>\n Function Not Available <\/p>\n <\/span> <\/p>\n You may use a different browser or device to view this in full screen. <\/p>\n OK <\/p>\n It was a chaotic scene with few if any parallels in Edmonton\u2019s history: hundreds of men clashing on a field\u00a0\u2014 some in blue, others in orange \u2014 carrying sticks and poles flying brightly coloured flags.<\/p>\n Now, police are investigating the weekend violence, which pitted members of the city\u2019s Eritrean community against one another and led officers to take the rare step of proclaiming the Riot Act.<\/p>\n Police responded to clashes across the city over the weekend, during which stones, bricks and other objects were hurled at officers in riot gear. No charges have yet been laid, police said in a news release Monday afternoon.<\/p>\n The chaos began Saturday morning at a field near 163 Street and 95 Avenue in west Edmonton, where organizers had planned events for the annual Eritrean Festival.<\/p>\n The long-running festival celebrates the history and culture of the\u00a0East African nation, but both organizers and police say they were aware of the potential for violence.\u00a0Other Eritrean festivals in Europe, the United States and Toronto this year were marked by clashes involving blue-shirted protesters opposing the Eritrean government.<\/p>\n A petition posted online weeks before the Edmonton event called for the festival to be shut down, claiming it was \u201csponsored\u201d by the Eritrean regime, considered among the most oppressive in Africa.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. <\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Toggle full screen mode<\/span> Previous Gallery Image<\/span> <\/p>\n Police in riot gear block anti Eritrean government protestors near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday Aug. 19, 2023. Photo by David Bloom<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/David Bloom\/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Smashed windows are visible on a mini van and a business near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police in riot gear block anti Eritrean government protestors near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Spent rounds of 40 mm Riot OC Powder Muzzle Blast are visible on the street following a confrontation between police in riot gear and anti Eritrean government protestors near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police try and control a riot that broke out between riot between anti Eritrean government protestors (pictured in blue) and pro government Eritrean supporters, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Smashed windows are visible at a business near 92 Street and 34A Ave., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police try and control a riot that broke out between riot between anti Eritrean government protestors (pictured in blue) and pro government Eritrean supporters, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police try and control a riot that broke out between riot between anti Eritrean government protestors (pictured in blue) and pro government Eritrean supporters, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police officers move into position after a riot broke out between pro government Eritrean supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police respond to a riot between Eritrean government supporters supporters and anti Eritrean government protestors, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/Postmedia<\/span> <\/p>\n<\/li>\n Police try and control a riot that broke out between riot between anti Eritrean government protestors (pictured in blue) and pro government Eritrean supporters, during an Edmonton soccer tournament promoting world peace, at the Rosslyn Park soccer fields, 113A Street and 132 Avenue, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.<\/span> Photo by David Bloom<\/span> \/\n
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