In downtown Montréal on Friday night, police repression descended on a pro-Palestinian and anti-NATO demonstration. During the day, a first rally had begun around 4:30 p.m. The procession then set off to join a second demonstration. The latter denounced in particular the presence of a NATO delegation at the Palais des Congrès.
The officers of the SPVM (Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal) decided to disperse the demonstrators using pepper spray, tear gas and baton blows; in response, smoke bombs were used by the demonstrators, metal barriers were thrown in order to hinder the work of the police. The police officers were also the target of pyrotechnic projectiles. Several shop windows and windows of the Palais des Congrès were smashed, a police car and two other vehicles were set on fire. About 80,000 people took advantage of Friday to strike and participate in the movement. The police made 3 arrests.
Source: Secours Rouge