CANADIAN Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned so-called “freedom convoy” protests in the capital Ottawa, refusing to discuss concerns over coronavirus vaccine mandates.

Demonstrations have taken place for three consecutive days over the law that makes it a requirement for cross-border truckers to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

They argue that the mandate impinges on their freedom of choice, but some have made comparisons to the persecution of Jews under the Nazis, causing an angry response.

Mr Trudeau refused to meet the protesters and said use of Nazi symbols on protest signs were “an insult to memory and truth.”

“Freedom of expression, assembly and association are cornerstones of democracy, but Nazi symbolism, racist imagery and desecration of war memorials are not,” he said.

“This is not the story of our pandemic, our country, our people,” Mr Trudeau added, saying he was focused on “standing with Canadians and getting through this pandemic.”

But deputy leader of the Conservative Party Candice Bergen said the protesters, not all of whom used the Nazi insignia,  “deserve to be heard and they deserve respect.” 

They represent the millions of Canadians who “have had enough of lockdowns and broken promises,” she said.