Envoy takes aim at RCMP after protesters try to storm Iraq embassy
OTTAWA — Iraq’s ambassador to Canada is asking why his request for more police protection wasn’t answered hours before protesters tried to force their way into his embassy.
The diplomatic mission in downtown Ottawa was forced into lockdown for about half an hour on Tuesday after protesters pushed their way to the entrance, only to be stopped by heavy glass doors.
The protesters also broke into the adjoining parking lot and allegedly hit one of the embassy’s staff and burned the mission’s Iraqi flag before retreating across the street to hold signs.
The crowd of about 30, which Iraqi embassy staff accused of being Kurds mainly from Iran and Turkey, dispersed after RCMP officers arrived about 20 minutes later.