Police are launching an assault investigation into incidents at the UVic protest camp

SAANICH, B.C. – Police in Saanich, B.C., say an assault investigation is underway following two alleged incidents at a pro-Palestinian protest camp on the grounds of the University of Victoria.

Deputy Superintendent Robert Warren says in a statement that the investigation began when special Saanich duty officers on campus were notified of two alleged incidents at the camp earlier this week.

On May 1st, a group of people set up tents in the so-called “Volkspark UVic” at the university.

Warren does not describe the nature of the attacks, except to say that police were not called after the first incident but were asked to assist with campus security during the second incident.

He says police will continue to work with those involved in the protest camp and encourage them to raise safety issues and concerns.

Similar camps have been set up at other post-secondary institutions in British Columbia and across North America, including some where police moved in to arrest protesters.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 10, 2024.

The Canadian Press