[EN IMAGES] Day loaded in the streets of Montreal: a manifier under high tension Vire in confrontation with the police

A day loaded in the streets of Montreal ended with a high-tension demonstration with the police in the district of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve.

“On foot, on horseback or by helicopter, a good cop is in the cemetery!”

This is one of the many slogans soothed by a contingent of several dozen people, gathered in a park near the pre -early metro, in the early evening.

The march had not even started that, already, skirmishes with the police broke out.

According to a publication of the group “convergence of anti -capitalist struggles”, we disputed both the ravages of capitalism and the “fascist forces” in politics.

“If we look at the cost of housing rents, this is the basis of world needs, and we left that to a market economy,” said Montrealers Francesco Neri.

Several arrests

The noisy crowd later stormed Ontario Street. It was suddenly dispersed when police arrested, under the eyes of Journal.

Pyrotechnic objects and parts have been launched at the area of ​​the agents. One of them was injured, according to the authorities.

The offenders are facing various accusations of hindrance, armed assault and threats, in particular.

This demonstration followed a march organized in the same sector for the International Day of Workers.

In the west of the island, another demonstration celebrated the feast of independence of the State of Israel while counter-protection displayed their support for the Palestinian cause.

In the east, around forty workers affiliated with a union center have vandalized the district office of Minister Chantal Rouleau.

Complex reality

“The purpose of our work is to intervene with these people. However, reality, sometimes is much more difficult, ”said Journal Sébastien Chartier, Inspector at the Division of Specialized and Tactical Operations of the Montreal Police.

The work of its workforce had done the headlines last November, after thugs militant against NATO had sown chaos in the city center.

According to Sébastien Chartier, the police must make sure not to jeopardize other demonstrators and their colleagues.

“Do I have the necessary proof to stop [le suspect]? Am I going to get a situation with the crowd with the impact it will have? These are the elements that must be evaluated, ”summed up Mr. Chartier.

Arrow

In addition, the number of deployments of the SPVM for “order services”, for public events of all kinds, including demonstrations, has climbed 73% in three years.

It was identified 1968 in 2022, compared to 3418 in 2024. This period was marked by rallies in connection with the war between Palestine and Israel.

“Yes, it’s an issue to always have the right number of people in the right place, it’s clear, but we are able to respond well to all events,” said Sébastien Chartier.