Woman arrested in British Columbia court clash over anti-racism protest – BC

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DISCLAIMER: This story contains details that readers may find disturbing.

Richmond RCMP said a 44-year-old Vancouverite was arrested Wednesday in a clash outside the city’s provincial courthouse.

It happened when members of an anti-Asian hate group gathered outside the building, as the man at the center of an alleged racist incident that took place in a cafe de Steveston earlier this year appeared in court.

Gendarmes say the woman who was arrested clashed with protesters “hitting several of them and damaging at least one cell phone in the process.”

Mounted police said the woman may be in court on an unrelated case and took offense at being filmed.

The incident was only part of a tense scene in court. The accused, Michel Jean-Jacque Berthiaume, had just left the building after appearing under a charge of mischief when he was confronted by protesters.

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Assault involving anti-Asian racial slurs captured on camera at Richmond café Assault involving anti-Asian racial slurs captured on camera at Richmond café March 31, 2021

“You brought the coronavirus to this country and you are killing our people,” Berthiaume told protesters.

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“I would rather have English, French or German than Chinese in this country.

Berthiaume was in court in relation to a March 29 incident at Rocanini Coffee Roasters in Steveston. Part of the incident was captured on security video. It shows a man pouring a drink on the floor and a woman throwing the contents of a mug at a cafe manager in Steveston.

Read more: Two accused of mischief in alleged racist incident in Richmond, BC caf

The couple reportedly used anti-Asian slurs as they were told to leave.

Astrid Maria Secreve is also charged with mischief. If convicted, the maximum penalty under Canadian law is just under two years in prison and / or a fine of $ 5,000.

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Read more: Anti-Asian hate rally held outside court hearing for 2 indicted in Richmond cafe incident

The Stop Anti-Asian Hate Crimes advocacy group, which rallied before Berthiaume and Secreve’s first appearance last month, said it wanted more serious charges. Still, spokesman Ivan Pak said they were grateful that the case is now before a judge.

“Such behavior will not be (tolerated) in our community,” he said.

The woman who was arrested on Wednesday has been released on a promise to appear at a later date.

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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