A Canadian judge handed protesters of the G20 summit in Toronto a small victory on Friday, restricting the use of a controversial sound cannon for crowd control.
The Ontario judge said that under current Toronto police guidelines, the so-called Long Range Acoustic Device — a super-high-volume loudspeaker — could cause hearing damage if used at certain levels and distances.
Toronto police said they would comply with an order to amend guidelines governing use of the sound cannon, specifically with regards to distance and volume limitations.
PHOTO: EPA
Police say the cannons, purchased in recent weeks, will be used for communication. The portable loudspeakers are also known as sonic guns because the volume can be turned up so high they can be used as weapons.
“I have concluded that a very real likelihood exists that demonstrators may suffer damage to their hearing from the proposed use of the Alert function at certain distances and volumes,” Justice David Brown of the Ontario Superior Court wrote in his ruling.
Canada is spending about C$1 billion on security for two international summits this week, with much of that going to control thousands of protesters who use the events to drive demands to end global poverty and address climate change.
PHOTO: AFP
On Friday and yesterday, leaders from the G8 industrialized nations were to meet in Huntsville, Ontario, about two hours’ drive north of Toronto. The G20 nations were then to gather in Toronto yesterday and today.
Protests have already begun at both locations but have been mostly peaceful.
Several thousand marched in defense of Aboriginal rights in Toronto on Thursday and more marches were scheduled for Friday near noon.
Earlier this year, police at the Vancouver Olympic games disabled the Alert function on the devices so that they could only be used as loudspeakers.
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