Canadian politicians condemn ‘anti-Semitism’, ‘anarchy’ at Montreal protests
NATO, pro-Palestinian protests in Montreal Friday evening.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that “acts of anti-Semitism, intimidation and violence must be condemned,” and that the RCMP is in touch with Montreal Police.The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) told Global News officers arrested three people on Friday after protestors smashed windows at a convention centre and nearby businesses, ignited smoke bombs and set two cars on fire.A police spokesperson said one civilian and one police officer suffered minor injuries.SPVM Chief Fady Dagher told reporters Saturday evening that he expects more arrests as alleged perpetrators are identified.“We have a lot of investigation techniques showing us some faces, some details, so we’re going to be able to arrest more people in the next days or next weeks,” he said.Multiple social media posts appear to show hundreds of people marching Friday evening and one person burning an effigy with “(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu to The Hague” written on it.The International Criminal Court just issued a warrant for Netanyahu and is based in The Hague in the Netherlands.“This was nothing like lawful, peaceful protest. This was anarchy,” Defence Minister Bill Blair said, speaking in Halifax.Foreign affairs Minister Mélanie Joly added, “What we saw was not peaceful protest.
What we saw was actually violence, hate and anti-Semitism. And this has no place on our streets.”“The violent and hateful scenes we witnessed last night in the streets of Montreal, with attacks specifically targeting the Jewish community, are unacceptable,” Quebec Premier François Legault posted on X.Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante called the violence “shocking”
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