Arrests begin in Ottawa as key figures charged

Police action in downtown Ottawa has started, with the arrests of demonstrators who have clogged the streets of the nation’s capital for weeks.

It comes days after the federal government invoked the Emergencies Act, granting wide ranging new powers to police.

The move on the bulk of protesters comes in the wake of the targeted arrest of several key organizers of the self-described freedom convoy.

Thursday night, Tamara Lich was arrested and charged with counselling to commit mischief.

Organizer Chris Barber was also arrested Thursday and charged with counselling to commit mischief, counselling to commit the offence of disobeying a court order and counselling to commit the offence of obstructing police.

Pat King, another high-profile leader, appears to have live streamed his arrest Friday morning.

Police action is expected to continue in Ottawa for some time.

With files from The Canadian Press