'Disgusted': Canada PM speaks on vaccine protest amid reports of being at 'secret' location

As a massive protest by truck drivers in Canada's capital city continues, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that most citizens were disgusted and shocked. Trudeau accused the protestors of using racist and hateful imagery during the demonstration, and vandalising war memorials.

"Freedom of expression, assembly and association are cornerstones of democracy. But Nazi symbolism, racist imagery and desecration of war memorials are not," he said. Trudeau emphasised, "I want to be very clear we are not intimidated by those who hurl insults and abuse at small business workers and steal food from the homeless. We won't give in to those who fly racist flags. We won't cave to those who engage in vandalism or dishonour the memory of our veterans."

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The Prime Minister also appealed to politicians supporting the protesting truckers. "To the politicians exploiting people's fears, I ask you to think long and hard about the consequences of your actions. To the nearly 90% of truckers across the country who have gotten vaccinated, who continue working hard to keep us fed and keep our economy moving. Thank you," he said

Amid reports that the PM had been moved to a secret location as truckers entered Ottawa in large numbers, Trudeau said that he has tested positive for Covid-19 infection, and is working remotely.

The demonstration, dubbed Freedom Convoy, has been organised by truckers protesting against mandatory vaccination rules. Truckers crossing the US-Canada border are required to be vaccinated. Canada reportedly imposed the rule on January 15, while the US did it on January 22.