Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau strongly condemned the violent protests in Montreal during the annual parliamentary assembly of NATO. He called the acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence appalling and stated that there must be consequences for the rioters. The protest was organized by the Divest for Palestine collective and the Christian Labour Association of Canada, coinciding with the hosting of the 70th annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly attended by approximately 300 delegates. The protest escalated when protesters lit a mannequin on fire, threw objects at police, and vandalized property, leading to three arrests.
Montreal police deployed crowd control measures and chemical irritants to disperse the protest after two vehicles were set ablaze and storefronts were damaged. Defense Minister Bill Blair characterized the events as anarchy and stated that violence and hatred have no place in Montreal. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly echoed this sentiment, condemning the violence, hate, and antisemitism displayed during the protest. Despite the chaotic events, Montreal police reported no antisemitic acts or hate crimes associated with the demonstration.
Quebec Premier François Legault also condemned the violence in Montreal, particularly targeting the Jewish community, and emphasized that such actions are unacceptable in the city. The protest coincided with student-held pro-Palestinian strikes across Quebec, with demonstrations taking place in response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Gaza officials reported that Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 44,000 deaths and the displacement of nearly all the enclave’s population at least once, with the conflict escalating following a 2023 attack by Hamas militants.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante expressed shock at the events and stated that such actions have no place in the peaceful city of Montreal. She thanked the police for making arrests and ensuring the safety of the community during the protest. Prime Minister Trudeau’s condemnation of the violence and antisemitism during the protest highlights the government’s commitment to upholding peace and order in Canada, emphasizing the importance of holding rioters accountable for their actions. The events in Montreal serve as a reminder of the challenges and tensions surrounding protests and demonstrations, particularly in response to international conflicts and political issues.
