Hugs Over Mask protest organizers face charges for Hamilton gatherings

Hamilton police have charged two people who they say organized two anti-mask protests downtown earlier this month.

Police say the Hugs Over Masks events were held on Jan. 3 and Jan. 10 at Bay St. and Main St. They say 40 people attended the first event and 60 people attended the second.

Current provincial restrictions limit gatherings to a maximum of 10 people outdoors.

Hamilton police say they contacted organizers prior to the Jan. 10 event, telling them the planned gathering would result in charges. Organizers went ahead with the event.

A 27-year-old Hamilton man and 38-year-old Brampton woman are facing charges under the Reopening Ontario Act.