Halloween display depicting politicians hanging from gallows taken down in Manitoba

Manitoba RCMP are investigating a Halloween display that some municipalities allege was put up to intimidate local politicians.

A Halloween display of politicians hanging from gallows has been taken down from a home in southern Manitoba and police say there will be no charges.

The Rural Municipality of Tache confirmed the homeowner disassembled the display on Sunday in Ste-Genevieve, southeast of Winnipeg.

The display featured five nearly life-size person-shaped figures hanging with nooses around their necks.

Above the figures was a sign that said “Politics All Tricks No Treats,” and four of the figures had the word “ward” written on their legs next to numbers that seemed to refer specific wards in the municipality.

Manitoba RCMP say police received two complaints about the display last week, but have concluded their investigation following the removal of the setup.

Municipal leaders called the display an attempt to intimidate.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental right, however it must never be used as a pretext to threaten, intimidate or incite violence against elected officials, emergency responders, government staff or residents within our communities,” the council wrote Monday in a statement.

“A healthy democracy depends on mutual respect and on ensuring that all residents can participate in public debate in an environment free from threats and intimidation.”

Council would not say what led to the homeowner erecting the display, but did say the municipality takes it seriously.

Ivan Normandeau, president of the Association of Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities, has called the display intimidating and graphic.

He said he has received threatening phone calls and emails over the years, but has never seen a display like the one in Ste-Genevieve.

Fakiha Baig, The Canadian Press