Multiple arrests made at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Montreal

Pro-Palestinian, anti-NATO protesters staged serious demonstrations in Montreal on Friday night, triggering multiple arrests. The protest came against a backdrop of the arrival of hundreds of delegates from NATO member states and partner countries.

The Canadian city is hosting a high-profile NATO summit from November 22 to 25, focusing on Ukraine, climate change and the military alliance’s future. Friday’s protest also came as the second day of the student-led Pro-Palestinian demonstrations across Montreal.

Tensions started around 4:30 pm as an initial group marched in the direction of Quartier des Spectacles, according to Manuel Couture. By 5:30 pm, another group merged. Tensions seriously escalated at 6:10 pm as protesters burnt an effigy of Netanyahu.

Tonight, while Justin Trudeau is partying it up in Toronto, I was meeting with several members of the Jewish community of Montreal.

Meanwhile, this is our hometown tonight. The proHamas crowd emboldened by Mr. Trudeau’s pledge to arrest the Israeli PM.

Hope you had fun at the… pic.twitter.com/mJEU3etzPr

— Senator Leo Housakos (@SenatorHousakos) November 23, 2024

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Protesters burn effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Montreal set an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on fire. Then, as the march continued, people started hurling small explosive devices and metal items into the street, targeting police officers.

There are also reports of protesters setting a couple of vehicles on fire. Couture said police deployed chemical irritants to regain control. Three people have been arrested for allegedly assaulting police officers.

The demonstrations had eased by 7 pm. They came amid heightened tensions after Thursday’s pro-Palestinian protests at Concordia University. Keep an eye out for more details on the escalating situation related to the Middle East crisis.