A pastor who became an internet sensation after chasing Canadian authorities out of his church has been detained for violating Covid-19 restrictions. Footage of the dramatic arrest was posted on his YouTube channel.
Pastor Artur Pawlowski, of Calgary, Alberta, made headlines last month after he berated police for trying to shut down an Easter service that violated limitations on public gatherings. In a viral video of the confrontation, Pawlowski is heard shouting at the “Nazi” and “Gestapo” officers to leave “immediately,” telling them not to return without a warrant.
Although the police retreated, it appears authorities were determined to stop the pastor from holding services. Earlier this week, Alberta Health Services obtained a court order which allows law enforcement to issue fines and even make arrests in order to enforce public health guidelines. The order also applies to organizers of demonstrations.
Calgary police then served Pawlowski with the order. The force said the pastor acknowledged the injunction but nonetheless ignored “requirements for social distancing, mask wearing and reduced capacity limits for attendees” and continued to hold religious gatherings.
