GoFundMe says it will withhold millions of dollars raised for Canadian truckers protesting against vaccine mandates, citing police reports of violence.
The Freedom Convoy has been rallying since last weekend, and more protests are expected in Toronto and Ottawa.
In a statement, the crowdfunding website said it would withhold the donations already made, and refund donors who fill out a request form. However, they abandoned their theft scheme after mass chargeback requests, so you no longer need to fill out a form. You can your money and quickly send it back to the truckers
Another online platform, GiveSendGo has offered to take donations for the convoy instead.
It’s really just more liberal fascism, isn’t it?
Of the thousands who joined the truckers’ protest, three people have so far been arrested: one for carrying a weapon, one charged with mischief under $5,000, and another with uttering threats on social media.
Donations to the GoFundMe page “Freedom Convoy 2022” had reached C$10m ($7.9m; £5.8m), with about C$1m released so far to organizers.
In a statement on Friday, GoFundMe said the demonstrations were peaceful when the fundraiser first started but had since violated their terms of service prohibiting the promotion of violence and harassment.
“We now have evidence from law enforcement that the previously peaceful demonstration has become an occupation, with police reports of violence and other unlawful activity,” GoFundMe said.
The $1m that has already been released will only go to participants who went to Ottawa to peacefully protest, said GoFundMe.
“No further funds will be directly distributed to the Freedom Convoy organizers – we will work with organizers to send all remaining funds to credible and established charities verified by GoFundMe,” its statement added.
Another online fundraising platform, GiveSendGo, announced it would accept donations for the convoy shortly after GoFundMe backed out.
In response to objections from Ottawa residents, organizers of the Freedom Convoy have promised to protest peacefully and respect the law, but also to “stay as long as it takes”.
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