Anticipated Increase in Arrests Expected by Montreal Police Chief After Anti-NATO Protest
Montreal’s police chief expects more arrests to result from a violent anti-NATO protest on Friday, involving smashed windows and burned cars in downtown Montreal.
Chief Fady Dagher informed reporters on Saturday about pending arrests due to additional evidence collected during the protests. He mentioned that police have identified the culprits behind the vandalism and assaults on officers.
During the march, smoke bombs were used, metal barriers were hurled into the street, and windows were broken at nearby businesses and the convention center where NATO delegates were convening until Monday.
Dagher approximates that around 800 individuals participated in the protests from various groups, but only 20 to 40 people are believed to be responsible for the disturbance.
Montreal police apprehended three individuals after Friday’s demonstration—a 22-year-old woman for obstructing police work and assaulting an officer, along with two men aged 22 and 28 for obstructing police work. All are set to appear in court at a later date.
The protest was criticized by politicians from all backgrounds on Saturday, labeling it as acts of antisemitism. However, one organizer denied this claim, stating that the protests were against the actions of the state of Israel and not Jewish people.
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Dagher pledged to support his officers on the ground for the remainder of the weekend. A police spokesperson confirmed that the police chief was present this morning as officers closely monitored Montreal’s Palais des congrès convention center.
