Protest Against NATO in Montreal Turns Chaotic
This past Friday evening, downtown Montreal became the stage for a turbulent protest as hundreds gathered to voice their dissent against NATO’s Parliamentary Assembly being held in the city. The demonstration, initially peaceful, escalated into a chaotic confrontation between protestors and the police, resulting in broken windows, clashes, and the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd.
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The protest began around 5:30 PM at the intersection of Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Urbain Streets. Organized by groups such as the Désinvestir pour la Palestine and the Convergence des luttes anticapitalistes (CLAC), the protest sought to highlight concerns over NATO’s military priorities. Protestors criticized the alliance’s promotion of increased military investments by its member states, arguing that such resources could be better directed toward pressing social needs. Additionally, NATO’s ties with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza were heavily condemned, with demonstrators calling attention to alleged violations of international law.
The event took a sharp turn not long after the crowd began marching. At the corner of René-Lévesque Boulevard and Saint-Urbain Street, some individuals reportedly broke store windows. According to Montreal Police (SPVM), protestors armed with bricks and makeshift weapons targeted officers with pyrotechnics and released smoke bombs. Police responded with pepper spray and chemical irritants in an attempt to regain control of the situation. The unrest continued as demonstrators moved towards Viger Avenue, where the windows of the Palais des congrès were shattered using cement pieces and hammers. Amid the turmoil, two vehicles were set ablaze.
By 7 PM, the majority of the protestors had dispersed, but not before significant damage was done to the surrounding area. Three individuals were arrested on charges ranging from assaulting police officers to obstructing their work. Authorities have since maintained a visible presence in the area to ensure public safety.
This protest underscores the intensity of public opposition to NATO’s presence in Montreal. Organizers and participants emphasized their belief that NATO’s activities exacerbate global militarization and perpetuate conflicts, rather than fostering peace. They also connected their criticism of NATO to solidarity with Gaza, accusing the alliance of indirectly supporting actions they described as genocidal.
While Montreal is no stranger to demonstrations, the scale and intensity of this event have sparked discussions about the balance between the right to protest and the obligation to maintain public order. It remains a vivid reminder of the deeply polarized opinions surrounding global military alliances like NATO.
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