Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante stated in a press conference that Friday’s pro-Palestinian and anti-NATO demonstrations were “taken over by professional vandals,” disrupting the intended purpose of the protests.
Plante pointed out that it is common in Montreal for groups like the Black Bloc to infiltrate protests, causing property damage and unrest. “The protest itself aimed to express concern about events in Palestine, but vandals took over,” she explained.
She criticized these individuals for exploiting a legitimate cause, saying, “It’s about breaking things and endangering public safety. Protesting reflects a healthy democracy, but these vandals think only of themselves, disregarding the cause and its broader implications.”
When questioned about the legal repercussions for those arrested, Plante assured that the judicial system is handling the situation and hinted at additional arrests in the coming days. She also clarified that the bylaw banning face coverings during protests had been struck down, meaning it no longer applies.
Addressing concerns about antisemitism at the protests, Plante firmly denied that Friday’s demonstrations were antisemitic. However, she condemned the actions of a woman filmed making antisemitic gestures at a separate protest the previous Thursday, commending Second Cup’s decision to revoke her franchise license.
“Antisemitism and Islamophobia are absolutely unacceptable,” Plante emphasized. “We must protect both sides and foster mutual respect.”
